Dean Blandino reveals Taylor Swift's frustration with famous tactic Eagles used to stop Chiefs

T aylor Swift ’s connection to the NFL has mostly been defined by her support of Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs , but Dean Blandino has revealed the singer also has strong opinions about one of the league’s biggest debates.

The former NFL vice president of officiating said Swift unexpectedly approached him after a Chiefs-Eagles matchup and immediately shared her thoughts on Philadelphia’s controversial “tush push” play.

Blandino , who now works as a rules analyst for FOX Sports, said the conversation happened at Patrick Mahomes ’ birthday party last September after Kansas City faced Philadelphia. What started as a football discussion eventually turned into a friendship with Swift and Kelce .

“We did a game in Kansas City last year. This person came up to me, gave me a big hug, and said that she agreed that the tush push sucks, and it was Taylor Swift, and we just hit it off and became friends,” Blandino said on the House of Haymaker podcast.

The meeting later led to Blandino receiving an invitation to Swift and Kelce ’s wedding at Madison Square Garden, where around 1,000 guests attended the July ceremony.

Taylor Swift joins debate over Eagles’ signature play

The “tush push” has become one of the NFL’s most talked-about strategies since the Philadelphia Eagles turned it into a near-automatic short-yardage weapon.

The play involves teammates pushing quarterback Jalen Hurts from behind to help gain extra yards, especially in situations where Philadelphia needs a first down or touchdown. While the Eagles have found tremendous success with the formation, it has also attracted criticism from fans, analysts, and opponents who believe the tactic should be reviewed or banned.

Swift ’s reported reaction puts her among those who have questioned the play, although she has not publicly called for the NFL to eliminate it.

Her opinion also carries an interesting connection because of her history with Philadelphia. Swift has performed at Lincoln Financial Field and has reportedly supported improvements at the stadium, including changes made around her Eras Tour appearance.

However, since beginning her relationship with Kelce , her NFL loyalty has shifted toward Kansas City, making the Eagles a natural rival from a football perspective.

The Chiefs and Eagles aren't scheduled to meet during the regular season, meaning Swift may only have to watch the tush push again if the teams meet in a future playoff matchup.

Blandino explains how unlikely friendship began

Blandino ’s story highlights another side of Swift ’s growing connection to football. While she has become one of the NFL’s most visible celebrities, the conversation showed her willingness to engage with the sport beyond simply supporting Kelce .

Since joining FOX Sports in 2017, Blandino has become a familiar face for NFL fans, breaking down complicated rules decisions and explaining controversial officiating calls.

His relationship with Swift developed from a simple football conversation, with the former official saying the two “hit it off” after discovering they shared the same view on the Eagles ’ most famous play.

Swift has become a major part of the NFL conversation over the past two seasons, but Blandino ’s story offers a different perspective on her involvement. Away from the spotlight, she is also following the details of the game and forming opinions on the strategies that shape it.

And when it comes to the tush push, it appears Swift is firmly in the group that would rather see it disappear.