Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, believes Taylor Swift has upped the team’s fanbase by more than a third.
Speaking to People for an article published Thursday, the 25-year-old Chiefs heiress estimated that the 14-time Grammy winner has “grown” the four-time Super Bowl-winning team’s fanbase “between 30 and 40 percent” since attending her first game in September 2023.
It’s no secret that Swift has influenced her dedicated fans to watch football. Ahead of 2024’s Super Bowl, 16% of US shoppers confirmed she influenced their decision to spend money on the big game.
Plus, the New York Times reported in February 2024 that regular-season viewership was up 7% from the previous season.
Gracie called Swift’s entrance into the Chiefs Kingdom “surreal” and “special.”
“She is absolutely incredible, as the whole world knows, and it’s been such a special time to have her be a part of Chiefs Kingdom,” she gushed. “She is just as beautiful and wonderful as you’d ever imagine her to be, so smart and intelligent.”
She also gave the 35-year-old pop star a shout-out for dressing so fashionably for the games. Some of her notable pieces include a vintage Kansas City Chiefs leather jacket and a custom Kelce jersey puffer jacket made by Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Gracie, who was named Miss Kansas USA in 2021, raved about Swift and her relationship with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, 35, in December 2023.
“First of all, I think we’re all so excited to see two such phenomenal people happy,” she said on “OutKick the Morning.”
“I mean, it’s so easy for us to cheer for and for the entire world to cheer for because they’re wonderful for each other, and it’s just been so fun to watch this love story unfold. So, that’s just been so special to see how happy they are.”
She also expressed her enthusiasm that the “Karma” singer was bringing football to a new demographic.
“And also [special] to have so many young, especially female fans, watching football, interested in football and maybe considering playing flag football and also cheering for the Chiefs,” she noted.
Gracie also shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to Swift in December 2023, writing, “Happy birthday to this queen! Bright, beautiful, beyond talented and engaging…easiest decision Time Magazine ever made for Person of the Year.”
She added, “Hope it’s your best & most blessed year yet!”
