ESPN NFL pundit Troy Aikman has come under fire for a remark he made about Taylor Swift during the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead .
Swift was back at Arrowhead to support her beau , Travis Kelce, after missing the last two games of the reigning champions. Kelce, the 34-year-old tight end, had a solid performance, finally hitting his stride in 2024 following a slower start to the season.
Kelce racked up 70 receiving yards as the Chiefs secured a 26-13 win. Following a significant play, Aikman's comment on Swift's reaction was caught during ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage : "The Mrs. likes it," he quipped.
His co-commentator Joe Buck quickly stepped in with damage control, mentioning that his daughters have cautioned him against making jokes or puns about Swift during Chiefs matches. Nonetheless, this didn't prevent Swift's fans from blasting Aikman on social media platforms.
"Dear Troy Aikman, DO NOT call Taylor Swift 'the Mrs.' It's demeaning. Even if she WAS his wife. She's Taylor Alison Swift - global superstar," one fan insisted. "I know Troy Aikman's botox --- did NOT just call Taylor Swift 'the Mrs.' She's bigger than you could ever dream to be, cowboy," another fan sharply criticized.
A third viewer shared their thoughts on Aikman and Buck's commentary, remarking: "Tonight Joe Buck and Troy Aikman broadcast was gut-wrenching. All the talk about the Saints brother who is Taylor Swift's backup dancer. I counted five Chiefs penalties not called in the second half. NFL loves the Chiefs, but our Steelers need wholesale changes."
Kansas City fans will be thrilled with Travis Kelce's massive contribution, especially since the Chiefs are turning to him amidst multiple key offensive injuries. Isiah Pacheco is sidelined for weeks due to a fibula injury that required surgery.
Moreover, Hollywood Brown won't see action for some time because of a collarbone issue. This has increased Kelce's responsibilities along with rookie Xavier Worthy, who just notched his fourth touchdown of 2024.
Worthy boasts two receiving and two rushing touchdowns, capitalising on his remarkable swiftness under the strategic vision of Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid.
Despite these hurdles, the Chiefs maintain a spotless record. They stand strong at 5-0, tying with the Minnesota Vikings as one of the only teams unbeaten this season.
In contrast, the New Orleans Saints are grappling with their own roster woes, the latest being the injury suffered by quarterback Derek Carr on Monday night.
Carr managed to throw for 185 yards, scoring two touchdowns and a pick before he had to leave the game due to an injury. "We'll get an MRI and all that kind of stuff tomorrow and figure it out," Carr stated.
"But for me to not be out there with my guys in that kind of situation. ...I couldn't do what I needed to do. I would have done anything to stay out there and keep fighting, but I couldn't. It sucks."
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