The Ravens entered the 2024 AFC championship game favored to beat the Chiefs and make it to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years.
Baltimore couldn't deliver on expectations, as the offense floundered in a 17-10 loss to Kansas City on Sunday.
Naturally, Ravens fans left the contest disappointed with the team's effort and were looking for someone to blame for the loss.
Some turned their attention to Lamar Jackson, who had the lowest passer rating among the four quarterbacks to play on conference-championship weekend. Others pointed the finger at Zay Flowers, who lost a key fumble while diving for the goal line that robbed the Ravens of a chance to score a second touchdown.
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But some of the Baltimore faithful directed their rage at Taylor Swift, who attended the game to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Hecklers were captured on video jeering Swift as she left Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday. One chant particularly captured the attention of Swifties everywhere, as it expressed that her presence wasn't welcome at the game.
"Hey Taylor, you're ruining football," the heckler yelled. "You're ruining football!"
raven fans yelling “you’re ruining football” at taylor… literally disgusting. mind u all she does is attend the games. i’m so glad taylor said “i didn’t do anything” pic.twitter.com/QpPBz1B6qk
— drew 💌💋 (@dailytaylortea) January 29, 2024
Swift handled that denigration like a champ, as one would expect. She operated with the "Penguins of Madagascar" approach, just smiling and waving at the heckler.
However, she did respond to one of her detractors at the beginning of the 9-second clip. The insult hurled at the pop star was unintelligible, but her response indicated that she was being told her presence was unwelcome.
"I didn't do anything," she said, brushing the criticism aside.
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Swift is correct. She merely attended an NFL game to support her significant other, an act commonplace across all levels of sport. Sure, she may receive more attention on the broadcast than the average player partner might, but her presence takes nothing away from the on-field action.
In fact, Swift's attendance and association with the NFL has been overwhelmingly positive for the league. It has allowed the NFL to connect better to the younger, female demographic that the league hasn't been able to access as recently in the past. That has contributed to a $331.5 million increase in brand value for the Chiefs and the NFL, according to Front Office Sports.
So, lest you believe that the NFL operated some sort of conspiracy to get Kelce's Chiefs to the Super Bowl because of Swift, there's no reason to hate on her.
And those who do? Swift made it clear that she is unbothered by them. As such, she will continue to shake them off and remain in a white-hot spotlight at the Super Bowl.
