Last Updated on January 14, 2025 by Kristi Kuhn
For the longest time, football felt like it belonged to your dad’s fantasy league or your boyfriend’s Sunday plans. But times have changed. Thanks to moments like Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s unexpected book club, Taylor Swift turning game days into TikTok-worthy events, and Betches Media’s partnership to reach more female NFL fans, football is officially having its “main character energy” moment—with women leading the charge.
How Women Are Inspiring a New Generation of NFL Fans
A Book, a Player, and the Power of Storytelling
Picture this: You’re scrolling through Twitter, and instead of another highlight reel, you see A.J. Brown reading Inner Excellence on the sidelines. It’s not your typical game-day vibe, right? It turns out that this quiet moment of mindfulness was just what fans needed to dive into a book that’s all about self-reflection and fearless living.
Inner Excellence is like the journaling trend on steroids. Think of it as combining your 5-minute gratitude journal with the “that girl” aesthetic—minus the matcha lattes. For Gen Z women, the book’s focus on overcoming fear and self-centeredness feels oddly familiar. Isn’t that what we’re all trying to do while navigating post-grad life, career pressures, and endless social media comparisons?
@bleacherreport AJ Brown says he brings the book “Inner Excellence” to every game 🙌 (via StaceyDales/X) #nfl #football #nflfootball #eagles ♬ original sound – bleacherreport
Brown’s take? The book gives him a “sense of peace.” Same energy as when you finally silence Slack notifications, light your favorite Bath & Body Works candle, and rewatch Gilmore Girls for the 27th time.
The Taylor Swift Effect: Making Football Pop-Culture Chic
Taylor Swift has done for football what Euphoria did for rhinestone makeup—it’s now a cultural phenomenon. When Swift started showing up at Kansas City Chiefs games, she didn’t just bring her A-list status. She brought millions of Swifties who now know more about Travis Kelce than they ever wanted to. (Seriously, who else has Googled, “What’s a tight end?”)
This crossover is pure Gen Z gold. Swift’s influence is the ultimate mix of stan culture and irony—we’re watching football but also making memes about her friendship bracelets and Kelce’s mustache. And those “NFL as Taylor Swift eras” TikToks? Chef’s kiss.
Stats back it up: Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennial women now have a favorable view of the NFL. Whether you’re here for the love story or just the vibes, the Swift effect is bringing in a new wave of NFL fans, proving that football isn’t just a game—it’s a pop-culture moment.
Betches Media x NFL: For the Girls Who Get It
The NFL partnering with Betches Media is the ultimate “she understood the assignment” move. Betches, the queens of snarky Instagram captions and brutally honest podcasts, are bringing their signature voice to sports content. Translation: football just got a lot more relatable for NFL fans.
Think Instagram reels breaking down the rules of the game (finally, a way to explain “offside” without sounding like a referee) or TikToks featuring NFL-inspired outfit ideas. Whether you’re here for the game or just the Game Day Dip, Betches is giving us a reason to care.
Anna DeLucia, the NFL’s senior manager of business development, said it best: “This relationship invites women into the NFL conversation in a way that’s fun, approachable, and engaging.” For Gen Z women, it’s like the NFL is saying, “You can sit with us.” And honestly? We’re pulling up a chair—with our iced oat milk lattes in hand.
Influencers Bridging Football and Gen Z Culture
Social media influencers are another major reason the NFL is becoming a Gen Z obsession. Here’s who’s making waves:
- Allison Kucharczyk: Known as Allison Kuch, she’s married to NFL player Isaac Rochell and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses into NFL life. Her relatable humor and honest takes make her a fan favorite.
- Erika Priscilla: A comedy creator who’s partnered with the NFL to make the game feel approachable and fun. Her skits are perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh while learning the basics.
- Megan Eugenio (Overtime Megan): This sports presenter and influencer has brought her engaging personality to platforms like TikTok and Instagram, making even non-fans want to tune in.
- Taylor Swift: Of course, no list is complete without mentioning the queen herself. Her game-day appearances have transformed the NFL into a full-on cultural event.
- Kristin Juszczyk: The wife of NFL player Kyle Juszczyk, Kristin combines football fandom with fashion. Her brand, Designs by Kristen, turns game-day merch into stylish, upcycled outfits.
Why This Matters for Gen Z Women
Football is officially in its “Hot Girl Era.” From A.J. Brown’s book club vibes to Taylor Swift making Arrowhead Stadium a viral moment, the game is breaking out of its bro bubble. Add in Betches Media’s witty commentary and influencers like Allison Kuch and Overtime Megan, and we’re not just watching football—we’re owning it.
For Gen Z women, this is our moment to redefine fandom. We’re not just spectators; we’re the players, the creators, and the vibe-setters. Whether it’s picking up Inner Excellence to channel our main character energy, attending an NFL game for the TikTok content, or just showing up for the halftime snacks, football isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle embraced by NFL fans everywhere.
So, grab your jersey (or an oversized vintage sweatshirt for the aesthetic), cue up your “Game Day Hype” playlist, and let’s make the NFL our own. Because football is no longer just for the boys—it’s for all of us.
