On the latest Nightap episode, Shannon Sharpe compared Taylor Swift to Michael Jackson–and he hinted that not even Beyonce can have the same effect as Swift on the NFL.
Swift has given the NFL plenty of attention from people who otherwise wouldn’t be interested, thanks to her current relationship with Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce.
“The attention that she brings and the people, the eyes, that she brings that don’t even watch the game of football… it’s crazy what she’s been able to do for the NFL.” Co-host Chad Johnson
According to Complex, Sharpe then referenced reports that Taylor Swift has brought the NFL $331 million in value so far.
“Tell the other person that’s gonna do that.” Shannon Sharpe
Johnson replied with Beyonce, but Sharpe wasn’t having it.
Shannon Sharpe Doesn’t Believe In Beyonce’s Star Power
Shannon Sharpe insisted that Beyonce is not on Swift’s level.
“These eight-to-15-year-old eyeballs… Ocho, I love Beyoncé. [But] Beyoncé ain’t moving the needle like this chick, Ocho. … She’s the closest thing to moving the needle like Michael Jackson that we’ve seen. This is it.”
Johnson defended Queen Bey, insisting she can move the needle like Swift, if not more.
“No she doesn’t. Not like Taylor. … Taylor Swift, I mean, she a different animal. Beyoncé is phenomenal.”
Sharpe added that the NFL would prefer a Super Bowl halftime performance from Taylor Swift over Beyonce, Rihanna, and Jay-Z combined.
In November, even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was pleased with Taylor Swift’s relationship.
“They’re happy, they seem to be enjoying their relationship. That’s great, in and of itself. But it has connected more fans of Taylor’s and more fans of the NFL in some ways. Sort of, to see that they have a connection, now [fans] have a connection to our game and to Taylor. … I think it’s great for the league to have that kind of attention.”
