NFL legend Michael Irvin recently stirred up some conversation during his appearance on the It Is What It Is podcast, as he weighed in on the Kansas City Chiefs’ growing status as “America’s Team.” The iconic wide receiver, best known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys, discussed the rising influence of the Chiefs and their recent surge in popularity, partly thanks to high-profile supporters like pop superstar Taylor Swift and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
Irvin, who was part of the Cowboys’ dominant ’90s teams, pointed out that the Chiefs are now a serious contender for the title of “America’s Team.” He drew attention to the notable presence of Swift and Clark at Kansas City’s recent Divisional Round game against the Houston Texans, where the two celebrities sat together in the VIP suite at Arrowhead Stadium. Irvin humorously remarked that the Chiefs’ growing fanbase, bolstered by figures like Swift and Clark, could potentially steal the Cowboys’ long-held moniker. “They’re trying to make those Chiefs to all of them,” Irvin said. “They’re trying to steal America’s title.”
This comment came amid Irvin’s acknowledgment that the Cowboys, despite their storied history and loyal fanbase, haven’t lived up to the expectations set for them in recent decades. The Cowboys’ last appearance in a Conference Championship was in 1995, and Irvin admitted that the team’s failure to reach that level since then has allowed other franchises, like the Chiefs, to rise in prominence. The Chiefs, led by stars such as Patrick Mahomes, have become a dominant force in the NFL, and with Swift and Clark now associated with the team, their cultural influence is undeniable.
For Irvin, this shift represents a real challenge to the Cowboys’ claim to fame as “America’s Team.” He acknowledged that, while he still passionately supports the Cowboys, the Chiefs are now a worthy challenger for that iconic title, largely due to their on-field success and the high-profile support from celebrities like Swift and Clark. It seems that the Chiefs’ brand has expanded beyond just football, reaching into pop culture with the help of these famous personalities.
As the Chiefs continue to build their legacy and make waves in both sports and entertainment, it’s clear that their influence is only growing, and figures like Swift and Clark are playing a significant role in shaping the team’s cultural footprint. Irvin’s comments reflect the shifting dynamics in the NFL, where success on the field is now closely tied to the power of celebrity endorsements and fandom.
