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In case you missed it, conservative curmudgeon Tony Dungy recently blamed Taylor Swift for Gen Z watching less football than previous generations.
Which is kind of weird when you think about it since thousands upon thousands of Swifties have watched their first NFL games this year solely because of Taylor Swift.
But that’s what he said.
On Monday, another devoted Swiftie, Stephen A. Smith, took issue with Tony Dungy and others complaining about T-Swizzle’s appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games (and on our televisions).
“All joking aside, it’s getting ridiculous how she’s being criticized by some, insulted by others, blamed by many. Grow up,” Stephen A. Smith said on his online show.
“And in the case of Tony Dungy, who’s 68-years of age. Who was a phenomenal coach, phenomenal football mind.
“It’s like, come on man, can we stop this, sir? Please? Respectfully, please?
“Love Tony Dungy. Love him to death. Incredible role model. Somebody we admire.
“But, you’re blaming Taylor Swift for disinterest in NFL action? Really?” Smith continued.
“What are you talking about?” Smith went on, after discussing Gen Z and there general disinterest in sports.
“First of all, there are people who want to come to NFL games because of the entertainment value. They want to watch NBA, NFL games because of the entertainment value. Super Bowl weekend, what do you think? You think people ain’t interested in the halftime show?
“You think there ain’t going to be additional people packed to come and see Usher perform in Vegas next month? Are you kidding me?”
Smith then cited the fact that the NFL had 82 games in the top 100 most watched shows of 2023. Viewership of the NFL rose to 17.9 million on average, tied for its second highest number since 1995. And the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day game against the Raiders had an average audience of 29.2 million, making it the most watched Christmas Day NFL regular season game ever.
Say what you will about Taylor Swift, but she certainly isn’t causing Gen Zers to lose interst in the NFL.