When it came to facing potential scrutiny for Taylor Swift's association with the franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs were more than "Ready For It."
Kansas City defensive backs coach Dave Merritt offered a behind-the-scenes look at the lauded pop star's association with the franchise, as the two crossed paths when Swift entered into a relationship with equally decorated tight end Travis Kelce. Swift became a staple at Chiefs games upon making her first public appearance in late September and was present for the team's victorious run to Super Bowl LVIII.
Speaking on The Sports Shop With Reese & Kmac, Merritt remarked that Swift's presence helped spark the Chiefs' championship aspirations further.
"Upon meeting her, I felt like she actually added to what it was that we were trying to do," Merritt claimed. "There were so many people that were hating the fact that she was being shown on TV, that you know what, you're part of our family because you're now with Travis, so, therefore, you're our little sister or you're whatever it may be, you're part of the family."
The NFL's broadcast partners heavily leaned into the Swift-Kelce subplot and the frequent panning to the singer situated in Arrowhead Stadium's luxury suites drew polarizing reactions. Some were also quick to label Swift a distraction, especially when Kansas City dropped five of eight between Halloween and Christmas.
But those in the red locker room offered their unanimous approval, happy for their teammate.
Merritt mentioned that Swift had been attending Chiefs games long before she publicly popped up at Arrowhead Stadium during the Week 3 visit from the Chicago Bears. Once the scrutiny was raised, Merrit claimed, so did the support.
"She was coming into the stadiums without people really knowing until the camera put the big spotlight on her," Merritt revealed. "She actually affected the team in a positive way ... Everybody was excited that Travis was happy. So when my player, my brother, is happy beside me, that helps me and that encourages me."
Kelce and the Chiefs will need a few years to catch up to Swift's packed trophy case, headlined by 14 Grammy Awards, but there's nonetheless a chance to make NFL history next season: with a win in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Kansas City would become the first franchise to prevail in three consecutive Big Games.
More must-reads: