NFL Teams as Taylor Swift Songs

Simar Gill
Sep 4
12 min read

Football fans and Swifties aren't all that different. Both romanticize career comebacks that might never happen and spend way too much money on fan merch to show off their loyalty. So naturally, it makes sense to assign each NFL team its own Taylor Swift song because every franchise has its own perfect soundtrack.

Buffalo Bills - All Too Well (10 Minute Version)
Bills safety Jordan Poyer following the loss to the Chiefs in overtime in 2022. AP News
Nothing describes the Bills franchise better than a rollercoaster of hope and despair. From four straight Super Bowl losses in the 90s and the "13 seconds" loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, suffering is something all Bills fans are familiar with. All Too Well is the perfect example of the highs and lows of relationship, just like Bills fans when they think that Josh Allen will finally get them that coveted Super Bowl win.
Miami Dolphins - Bejeweled
Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith after a catch against the 49ers. MSN
Miami, a place of glamour, glitter, and shine, is sometimes seen as the doubted team in the NFL. Like Taylor in Bejeweled, the Dolphins are often overlooked despite being a reason that a room "shimmers". With recent trades, the franchise seems to be prioritizing young players as their future, possibly shifting their chances of being in the playoff conversation.
New England Patriots - The Man
Patriots QB Tom Brady shows off his six Super Bowl rings during a ring ceremony. UPI
For two decades, the Patriots dominated the league. Six Super Bowls with the help of Tom Brady reflects the ultimate The Man mindset. The song also calls out jealously, which the Patriots often faced with being called "cheaters" and "lucky" in the face of their success. Despite being disliked by many, the Patriots just kept winning and let their unapologetic confidence speak for itself. Following their Post-Brady era, they're no longer The Man, but the shadow of who they were still haunts the league.
New York Jets - You're On Your Own, Kid
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers during the first half of their game against the Buffalo Bills in 2024. The Sports Rush
As the ultimate underdogs of the NFL, the Jets are the team that always seems to be building up until they inevitably collapse. Like the song, You're On Your Own, Kid, they are trying their best and then coming up short when it seems that others get to move forward. With a mix of pain and resilience heard in this song, Jets fans have given their "blood, sweat and tears for this", even in hopeless moments just because someday it might just pay off.
Baltimore Ravens - ...Ready For It?
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. Fox News
Taylor sings about a love interest who's dangerous but irresistible, which is exactly how the Ravens feel when they're on a roll: scary if you're facing them but enticing to watch. With intimidators in their history such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, this track off of Swift's album Reputation, matches the aggressive and dark energy of the Ravens. Playmaker Lamar Jackson reflects the song's energy with his unpredictable moves, as you never know when he'll break loose for a run.
Cincinnati Bengals - The Archer
Bengals QB Joe Burrow warms up before a game versus the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. Spectrum News
Formerly known as the "Bungles" before drafting Joe Burrow, the Bengals spent decades as the NFL's "forgotten team". Like The Archer, the Bengals' self-doubt has been top of mind while waiting for people to notice them. They've also faced their fair share of hope and heartbreak with Burrow in the Super Bowl and crushing losses in huge moments. The Bengals aren't the loudest or flashiest team, but their loyal fans support the depth in their story and always hold out hope that they'll break out of the underdog sphere.
Cleveland Browns - this is me trying
Browns QB Joe Flacco against the Chicago Bears in 2023. AP News
Every year with new changes, the Browns put in unwavering effort trying to put it all together. The Browns have known that they've been the league's punchline for decades, quietly acknowledging their mistakes while hoping to be taken seriously. The song, this is me trying, has a faint bittersweet sound, relating to how Browns fans live off of the tiny sparks of hope, such as the Nick Chubb run and rare playoff wins. Though heartbreak is basically guaranteed, fans stick around hoping for those glimmers of promise.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Mine
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in a Week 13 game in 2021. Still Curtain
With everlasting generations of fans, the Steelers epitomize the idea of making something strong, steady, and lasting like the love Taylor describes in Mine. Acknowledging the imperfections, Steelers fans ride through good seasons and still support the team during the tough ones with equal devotion. Mine has a hardworking romanticism associated with it, relating to the Steelers' gritty spirit.
Houston Texans - Fearless
Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs in 2024. Newsweek
Jumping in headfirst, demonstrating boldness, and taking risks are themes found both in Fearless and the Texans. For this team, taking chances with a young roster and new coaching staff shows willingness to experiment. This song and team reflect optimism and seeing the bright side, while also knowing it may lead to heartbreak.
Indianapolis Colts - Long Live
Colts QB Peyton Manning after a 40-21 win over the Patriots in 2005. IndyStar.
The Colts fans have seen triumphs and droughts, and have been through thick and thin with this team during their prime and decline. Like Long Live, they relive the legacy and glory days with a celebratory spirit. There's also hope, frustration, and yearning with this team when watching them try to recapture the dominance they had with Peyton Manning once again.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Look What You Made Me Do
Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. scores a touchdown versus the Colts in 2024. yahoo!sports
The Jaguars are constantly trying to reinvent themselves, whether that's with new coaches, new draft classes, or a new QB. Like Look What You Made Me Do, they often attempt to shed an old identity to come back even stronger. This team is unpredictable, being capable of big upsets but is more often inconsistent. Every win or loss with the Jaguars feels dramatic and sometimes shocking, fitting the vibe of this song's chaotic energy.
Tennessee Titans - State of Grace
Titans QB Steve McNair in the end zone against the Steelers in 1999. The Tennessean
From playoff heartbreaks, Derrick Henry's legendary runs, or a close Super Bowl title in the 1999 season, the Titans are a team with a history of dramatic highs and lows. State of Grace has a cinematic feel that mirrors this emotional rollercoaster. As Taylor describes a love that is beautiful but complicated, Titans fans can relate to moments of glory followed by deep disappointment. However, there is hope in reflection, and the Titans fans cherish what they have while acknowledging the challenges they've been through.
Denver Broncos - Red
Broncos QB Peyton Manning at the AFL Championship NFL playoff game in 2014 to advance to the Super Bowl. The Gainesville Sun
Intense emotions and extreme feelings between love and loss are perfect to represent Broncos fans who've experienced Super Bowl victories and crushing playoff heartbreaks. Their play style was seen as aggressive during their time with Peyton Manning, and reflects on a relationship that was beautiful but loud, much like the one Swift writes about in the song Red. This song is unforgettable, much like the Broncos legends that define the franchise.
Las Vegas Raiders - I Did Something Bad
Jaguars RB Snoop Conner is tackled by Raiders DL Kendal Vickers, DT Andrew Billings, and DE Tashawn Bower. Raiders Wire
A team like the Raiders is known for taking action and owning it no matter what people think. They think hard, play hard, and are unapologetic about it. Like I Did Something Bad, they assert dominance and show an excitement in boldness, like in daring plays or aggressive strategies on the field. Their silver and black aesthetic relates to the song's menacing and dramatic vibe, showing that this is not the team to mess with.
Los Angeles Chargers - Cruel Summer
Chargers QB Justin Herbert after a loss to the Raiders in OT in 2022. AP News
Cruel Summer captures a passionate but stressful experience, much like the Chargers' rollercoaster seasons. Despite having one of the top QBs in the league, they've repeatedly fallen short in the playoffs, echoing the song's tension of wanting something to work, but it just keeps slipping away. The song is frantic and chaotic, mirroring Justin Herbert's big plays that often fall short.
Dallas Cowboys - You Belong With Me
QB Tony Romo after a failed field goal attempt cost the Cowboys the win versus Seattle in 2007. The Dallas Morning News
This song describes longing for someone that should be yours, and fans expect the same from the Cowboys. Everyone thinks they should be at the top of the league, but they've often fallen short in recent years. As Taylor sings through being overlooked, there's a sense of optimism in her hoping that one day she'll be noticed and chosen. The Cowboys still remain hopeful through all the ups and downs, and the memory of their past successes inspire that feeling of longing that's also found in You Belong With Me.
New York Giants - the last great american dynasty
Giants QB Daniel Jones runs for a touchdown against the Buccaneers in 2019. Oregon Live
Like the song describes, the Giants have influence that lasts decades. From their historic 1986 Super Bowl win, "Miracle at the Meadowlands" loss (and the second one), and their cherished moments with beloved QB Eli Manning, the Giants have many memorable events that relate to the dramatic narrative illustrated in the last great american dynasty. Their impact on football history is permanent: fans admire their storied past and hopeful future.
Philadelphia Eagles - Bad Blood
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (left) and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (right) in 2023. yahoo!news
Bad Blood is about conflict and tension, relating to the Eagles' many rivalries against teams such as the Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders, whom they battle in the NFC East every season. The Eagles' identity is tough, scrappy, and aggressive- much like the fierce reputation Taylor creates in this song. The Eagles and their fans thrive on drama and revenge as seen in their comeback wins and fiery plays. It also must be mentioned that Swift's soon-to-be brother in law, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, embodies this song perfectly through his previous fiery leadership, iconic moments, and defensive skill he displayed for the franchise.
Washington Commanders - This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels after losing to the Eagles in the 2025 NFC Championship game. USA Today
The Commanders have a chaotic history, dramatic seasons, and a lot of self-sabotaging moments that pair them well with Taylor Swift's This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things. The song's playful telling of betrayal relates to everything that's fallen apart for the Commanders, especially off the field with ownership issues and scandals. Constant hope for greatness is stifled by internal chaos preventing the team from reaching its potential; just like this song describes how things that should work out keep getting ruined.
Chicago Bears - You Need to Calm Down
Bears QB Caleb Williams against the Jaguars in 2024. NBC News
As Taylor calls out haters in this song, the Bears do the same through revisiting their history for respect when recent seasons have been rough. Chicago football and You Need to Calm Down share a similar fun vibe, with diehard fans laughing through the pain while still supporting the team. However, this just might change with the Chicago Bears drafting the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2024 NFL Draft: QB Caleb Williams. With this ultimate change, the Bears fans may be able to sit back and relax for once with hopes that Williams will carry them to success.
Detroit Lions - Back to December
Lions Safety Kerby Joseph after a Seahawks WR caught a touchdown pass in OT in 2023. mlive
Lions fans reflect on decades of playoff droughts and missed opportunities, much like Back To December, a song about looking back on mistakes and wishing things had gone differently. The song has a reflective and remorseful tone, much like Lions fans who live in a cycle of optimism and mourning. Moments of promise like the 1991 NFC Championship Game and the Matthew Stafford era are often reminisced but again mourned with the Lions falling short.
Green Bay Packers - Style
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers celebrating the Packers' 2010 Super Bowl win. 12Up
As one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, it is no surprise that the Packers are Style. Both their brand and traditions never go out of fashion: Cheeseheads, green and gold, and Lambeau Field are all universally known amongst football fans. Their QBs represent a continuous legacy from Brett Favre to Aaron Rogers, and now Jordan Love showing his potential. Even their 2010 Super Bowl run cemented the Packers as a team that has timeless relevance.
Minnesota Vikings - exile
Vikings QB Brett Favre looks to pass against the Jets in 2010. Getty Images
Vikings fans know heartbreak well: four Super Bowl losses in the 70s, Gary Anderson's missed field goal in 1998, and the 41-0 loss in the 2001 NFC Championship. No matter how promising their roster, the Vikings never get a chance to show their true potential and are often overlooked because of the decades of QB greatness by their NFC North rival Packers. Over and over, fans believe that this could finally be their year, but their hope is always crushed.
Atlanta Falcons - All You Had To Do Was Stay
Falcons CB Jalen Collins reacts to loss against Patriots' in OT at Super Bowl LI. The Bear Witness
Like this song's frustration with a relationship that could've worked if the other side just held on, Falcons stars (Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Michael Vick) never managed to seal the deal of a championship, leading to lingering heartbreak for fans. The wasted potential and "what could have been" moments like in Super Bowl LI have given Falcons fans something to grieve over for years.
Carolina Panthers - Begin Again
Panthers QB Cam Newton after the first half of Super Bowl L in 2016. Boston Herald
The Panthers in their Post-Cam Newton era describe cautiously stepping into something new after a heartbreak, where they have to Begin Again. With Cam Newton, the Panthers had the MVP, elite celebrations, and the incredible 2015 season, and now they have to rebuild the team to try and recapture their previous excellence. However, by drafting Bryce Young, the Panthers may just get the reset they need to rediscover their love in football.
New Orleans Saints - The Lucky One
Saints QB Drew Brees after defeating the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. MarketWatch
Like The Lucky One, the Saints seemed to have it all in their golden era with a 2009 Super Bowl win. They were seen as a team with a tough offense, record breaking players, and a fanbase louder than any others. However, the shine didn't last forever with heartbreaking playoff exits (Minneapolis Miracle, a controversial no-call against the Rams in 2018) and they turned from beloved to unlucky. Now, there's lingering tension between the short-lived success of the Drew Brees era and the struggles of the present.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I Know Places
Buccaneers QB Tom Brady after winning Super Bowl LV. The Boston Globe
The Buccaneers were overlooked by the rest of the league as they quietly built a roster that could potentially dominate. While they flew under the radar and waited for the moment to strike, they gained Brady for the ultimate turn around. After his addition to the team, the Bucs became feared and envied, and began to identify with the chase, hide, and plotting themes found in I Know Places. Even now, it's hard to predict how they'll do or when they'll strike again.
Arizona Cardinals - cardigan
Cardinals DT Calais Campbell celebrates 2008 NFC Championship Game win. Arizona Cardinals
cardigan is nostalgic and reflects a warmth that fades, similar to the Cardinals' history. Their memories of losing the Super Bowl in 2008 with Kurt Warner and other playoff misses are memorable low moments for the franchise. The team has faced struggle after struggle, but fans stick around and remember the little victories in loyalty. This team is one that has the potential and charm, but just hasn't quite lived up to it yet.
Los Angeles Rams - Wildest Dreams
Rams outside linebacker Von Miller celebrating after defeating the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Bleacher Report
Much like the fantasies Taylor sings about in Wildest Dreams, the Rams have hopes of winning it all but that dream rarely becomes reality. Their 2018 NFC Championship run and Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022 are almost dreamlike and leave fans reminiscing on the nostalgia. Even now, the Rams are taking risks on trades and high profile players to recapture that dream season again.
San Francisco 49ers - the 1
49ers WR Ray-Ray McCloud III after a loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. The Hill
The 49ers are the definition of "what could have been". Near misses including heartbreaking Super Bowl losses and QB "Mr. Irrelevant" make it seem that the 49ers are a team uncapable of fulfilling their potential. The song, the 1, imagines a perfect relationship, just like the 49ers are striving for that perfect season that just never comes. Even from the promise of having the lead in Super Bowl LVIII, the 49ers still lost in the end since they just can't seem to be the 1.
Seattle Seahawks - I'm Only Me When I'm With You
Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith celebrates with team on the way to their first Super Bowl title. Getty Images
This song is about feeling like your best self when you're with your people and similarly, the Seahawks thrive on unity and team chemistry to work together as one unstoppable unit. Their home game wins and joint effort in Super Bowl XLVIII reflect the chemistry, dominating energy, and confidence that's created when you're a part of a team like the Seahawks.
Kansas City Chiefs - Enchanted
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce celebrates with Taylor Swift after the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC Championship win in 2024. NBC News
Enchanted is about a thrilling encounter that feels like it could only happen once, and with quarterback Patrick Mahomes' acrobatic playmaking, every game feels electric and deserving of a Super Bowl title. Even fairytale moments are possible with the Chiefs, as seen in the last minute comeback against the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. The song also gained an extra emotional resonance recently when Taylor Swift got engaged to Travis Kelce of the Chiefs. For both Chiefs fans and Swifties, it's truly a "love at first sight" parallel.