Whenever Simone Biles or Taylor Swift makes an appearance at an NFL game to support their significant others, the internet buzzes with one word: screen time. Back in February, during the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift made headlines when she was spotted cheering for her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, in his game against the San Francisco 49ers. At one point, Swift was seen chatting with Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce, a gesture that showed her down-to-earth nature. However, post-game data revealed by CBS stirred reactions. Swift received 0.36% of the total Super Bowl TV screen time, equating to 54 seconds, which led to complaints from some NFL fans, claiming that Swift was being overexposed.
Meanwhile, many noticed that Simone Biles, despite her fame and recent Olympic success, did not receive nearly the same amount of screen time. A prime example of this was during the Chicago Bears vs. Tennessee Titans game at Soldier Field. Biles, fresh off her triumph in the Paris Olympics and in the middle of her Gold Over America Tour, was in the stands cheering for her husband, Jonathan Owens, who had an impressive performance. Despite her enthusiastic support and Owens’ strong play, the camera didn’t focus on her as much as it would have on Taylor Swift in a similar situation. This sparked debates about unequal coverage, especially as Biles returned to the venue again recently, this time for the Bears’ game against the Los Angeles Rams.
During this recent game, Biles arrived with her GOAT tour team, sharing warm moments with Owens on the sidelines. However, fans noticed the discrepancy in her screen time once again. Many took to social media to voice their opinions, with one fan remarking, “Why isn’t Simone getting the hype that Swift is getting from attending games?” Biles, known for her iconic status and humility, appeared in a Bears sweater and her signature GOAT necklace. She also took photos with her team and rising gymnastics star Joscelyn Roberson, but these moments didn’t receive the same attention as Swift’s appearances.
The conversation around screen time became even more heated when fans began asking why Biles wasn’t given the same attention as Swift. Back during the Super Bowl, some argued that Swift’s screen time, which was around 25 seconds, was minimal compared to the game’s total coverage. Rob Hyland, NBC’s coordinating producer for Sunday Night Football, explained that the priority was on the game, and Swift’s appearances were just to remind viewers of her presence. However, Swift’s screen time in the Chiefs vs. Dolphins game in January was a noticeable 1 minute and 16 seconds, sparking fan frustration about the disparity between her and Biles.
Fans are now calling for the NFL to give Biles the same attention that Swift receives. One fan even tweeted, “Give her the same Taylor Swift treatment please @nfl,” pointing out how moments between Biles and Owens on the sidelines are rarely highlighted. Some fans expressed relief at seeing more of Biles, with one saying, “I’m glad they show her too because I was tired of seeing just Taylor Swift.” However, many feel that the NFL could do more, arguing that Biles deserves just as much coverage as Swift.
There is growing support for the NFL to fully embrace Simone Biles’ presence at games. One fan wrote, “Make @Simone_Biles the face of the @nfl,” suggesting that Biles could be a powerful ambassador for the league. Taylor Swift’s influence has already had a significant impact, with Nielsen reporting that her appearance at the Kansas City Chiefs’ October 1 game attracted around two million additional female viewers. With her incredible achievements, widespread appeal, and genuine support for her husband, Biles could offer a unique energy to the NFL. The question remains: Could Simone Biles be the NFL’s next major draw? Fans seem to think so, and they are eager to see her take on a larger role within the league’s narrative.
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