Ed Sheeran Shares How Taylor Swift Shaped His NFL Allegiance
Ed Sheeran, known for his chart-topping hits, recently opened up about how his friendship with Taylor Swift led him to embrace an unexpected passion for NFL football.
During a guest appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast “Not Gonna Lie” on July 10, the 34-year-old musician shared insights into his musical collaborations, parenting tips, and his forthcoming album, Play. When the conversation shifted to American football, Sheeran revealed his allegiance to a specific team and the role Swift played in that decision.
“I’m a Titans fan,” Sheeran stated. “I moved to Nashville for Taylor’s Red Tour in 2013 and got a place there. I went to Walmart to buy bits to move in and just bought some pajamas. When I got home, I was wearing them, and someone asked, ‘Oh, you’re a Titans fan?’ I was like, ‘Guess I am.’”
He elaborated on his connection to the team, comparing it to his soccer club back home. “They’re always the bridesmaid — actually, I wouldn’t even say they’re a bridesmaid. They’re invited to the wedding. They’re there,” he remarked, highlighting the Titans' struggle for success.
Despite the team's challenges, Sheeran expressed optimism about the unpredictability of the NFL: “What’s lovely about the NFL is anything can happen.”
Sheeran and Swift’s friendship dates back to 2012 when they collaborated on “Everything Has Changed” for her album Red. He toured with her during the North American leg of her Red Tour in 2013, and their partnership has since produced hits like “End Game” and “The Joker And The Queen.”
Swift has also immersed herself in NFL culture, attending her first Kansas City Chiefs game in September 2023, which coincided with her relationship with Travis Kelce. Since then, she has made two Super Bowl appearances supporting the Chiefs.
The Chiefs faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in February's Super Bowl, where they fell short. Prior to Swift's romance with Kelce, her family had longstanding ties to the Eagles due to their Pennsylvania roots — a fact that Jason Kelce humorously pointed out.
“What are we doing?” Jason teased during a December 2023 episode of the brothers’ podcast “New Heights,” referencing Swift’s father Scott wearing Chiefs gear. “You’re gonna let this man’s devilishly good looks and relationship with your daughter sway you from a lifetime of fandom, Scott? Ridiculous.”
Travis chimed in with a lighthearted comment: “Got him over to the good side, baby,” joking about converting the Swift family to Chiefs supporters one by one.
For the past two seasons, Swift has been a regular at Arrowhead Stadium, and as the new NFL season approaches, it seems likely she will continue her support. Before Travis returns to the field, the couple has been relishing quality time together away from public scrutiny.
“They’re enjoying some R&R after working their butts off, making the most of their time off. They’re fully living their best lives,” a source shared in April.
