The NFL has debunked rumors that organizers planned to hand out free Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelets at the Jets’ home game against Kansas City on Sunday, amid the pop star’s romance with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
News that Swift might be making an appearance in the Big Apple this weekend, specifically at MetLife Stadium, emerged earlier this week after she was spotted cheering on Kelce at Arrowhead as the Chiefs defeated the Bears 41-10 on September 24.
Since then, speculation that her most popular concert accessory might be at a professional football game has gone through the roof, although it now appears that the rumor was too good to be true in the first place.
“Sources: The NFL and #Jets will NOT be giving friendship bracelets to #Chiefs fans attending Sunday Night Football,” SNY’s Connor Hughes tweeted.
“That’s not happening,” he added.
Taylor Swift is reportedly planning a trip to New York to watch the Chiefs take on the Jets at MetLife
Swifties have bonded over the friendship bracelets the pop star handed out during her ‘Eras’ tour
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, reportedly Swift’s new boyfriend, will play Sunday night
Friendship bracelets were a big talking point during Swift’s “Eras” tour this year, as fans marveled at the accessory as a way to connect with others over shared experiences.
Swift even sang about coming up with the idea in the lyrics of her song “You’re on Your Own, Kid”: “Cause pages were turned while the bridges were burned. Everything you lose is a step you take. So make the friendship bracelets, seize the moment and taste it. You have no reason to be afraid.’
Many NFL fans on social media reacted with relief to Friday’s update, as some didn’t even know what a friendship bracelet was, while few showed signs of disappointment.
“I thought this tweet was a joke at first,” said a user on X, formerly known as Twitter. ‘missed this crap before.’
“(Jets owner) Woody Johnson would throw a fit,” another shared.
‘Anklets?’ suggested a fan.
A majority of NFL fans shared relief on social media after news broke out denying the rumor
‘Friendship bracelets? You’re kidding, right?’ said another person.
“I don’t even know what my friendship bracelet is, but I’m pretty sure someone can sell 500 of them in the MetLife parking lot for $20 each. In three hours,” someone else tweeted.
“But hey, they’re handing out wins for free,” one user wrote, referring to the Jets’ 0-3 record to start the season.
The Swift-Kelce buzz won’t be shaken anytime soon, as sales of Kelce’s No. 87 jerseys skyrocketed last week, spiking 400 percent.
The ratings for the Bears-Chiefs game soared despite the lopsided score. A total of 24.3 million viewers watched, making it the second-most watched game this season behind the Lions’ 21-20 opening day upset against Arrowhead.