Saquon Barkley defends Taylor Swift, says singer has made game 'bigger'

Saquon Barkley makes his living by being on the offensive.

The star running back had a record-setting season in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles, capped by Sunday night’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. But during an interview with Howard Stern in the aftermath of the big victory, the former Penn State star was on the defensive for once.

Specifically, he was defending world-renowned singer Taylor Swift, who was booed heavily when shown on the big screen at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans during the game. Swift, who was there supporting boyfriend and Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, had a look of shock on her face when the boos rained down after she was shown.

Swift is used to being cheered heavily everywhere she goes, whether it’s on stage during her shows or anywhere else, including at football stadiums watching Kelce. So, this was a surprise to her and Barkley made it known that Swift shouldn’t have been treated like that.

“I don’t get it,” said Barkley during the interview with Stern, via NBC. “I don’t get why she was getting hate there.”

Barkley not only defended Swift when talking with Stern, he complimented her for the impact she has had on the NFL since she started appearing at Chiefs games in 2023.

“She’s there supporting her significant other, and she’s made the game bigger,” Barkley said. “We’re trying to expand the game, and her being a part of it is only helping that, so I don’t get the slack that she’s getting.”