Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron is facing criticism online after a postgame social media post referencing Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift overshadowed one of the strongest performances of his young NFL career.
Barron played a key role in Denver’s 22-19 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in a divisional matchup. But after the game, the defender drew attention for a comment posted alongside an Instagram photo of him and Kelce, writing: “Tell Swift put me on a song right now.”
The remark appeared to reference Swift’s recent musical nods connected to Kelce. While seemingly intended as humour, it drew a swift reaction from some fans of the singer, who accused Barron of being disrespectful by bringing her into postgame banter.
Barron later responded to the criticism, saying: “Y’all trolling on my phone. I’m trying to be a artist, I just want some help.” His reply suggested the message was motivated more by ambition than trash talk. However, the backlash had already spread across social media, with Swift’s fan community quickly mobilising online.
Barron’s post came days after a standout defensive display against Kelce, one of the NFL’s most dominant tight ends. In direct matchups, Barron limited the seven-time All-Pro to two catches for 14 yards on three targets and six routes.
Kelce finished the game with nine receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown, though most of that production came after Denver adjusted its defensive coverage.
Swift’s name has frequently surfaced around Chiefs games since she began dating Kelce, with television broadcasts often cutting to her reactions in the stands and commentators referencing her during plays.
The increased attention has led to scrutiny in the past. Last season, NFL analyst Troy Aikman faced backlash for the remark “The Mrs. likes it,” made after Kelce’s 70-yard performance against the New Orleans Saints – a comment some fans described as “belittling” towards Swift.