Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN personality, is not holding back in expressing his admiration for pop star Taylor Swift. The 34-year-old singer, known for her musical talents, garnered attention from NFL fans during the 2023 regular season when she began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and became a regular presence at Chiefs games.

While the NFL experienced increased ratings during the season, former NFL coach and NBC analyst Tony Dungy raised concerns, suggesting that Swift’s celebrity status has diverted attention away from the on-field action.

However, Stephen A. Smith disagrees with Dungy and is calling for an end to the criticism aimed at the musical sensation for simply living her life.

Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Smith expressed his frustration with the scrutiny directed at Taylor Swift. He stated, “It’s getting ridiculous how she’s being criticized by some, insulted by others, blamed by many … In the case of Tony Dungy, it’s like, come on, man, can we stop this, sir? I Love Tony Dungy. But you’re blaming Taylor Swift for disinterest in NFL action? What are we talking about? Let her live her life.”

This uncommon disagreement with Dungy, whom Smith respects, demonstrates Smith’s strong desire to defend Taylor Swift’s freedom to enjoy her personal life without being used as a scapegoat for concerns unrelated to her activities.

Despite having previously attended one of Swift’s performances, Smith’s defense of the celebrity extends beyond his own experiences. He believes that Taylor Swift’s presence benefits the game of football. While perspectives may differ, Smith’s perspective highlights the need of distinguishing between a celebrity’s personal life and their impact on sports entertainment.