It seems clear that the NFL commissioner counts himself among Taylor Swift’s fans. On Wednesday, Roger Goodell all but extended an open invitation for Swift to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, saying she is “welcome at any time.”
“We would always love to have Taylor play,” Goodell said during an interview on the Today Show. “She is a special, special talent and obviously, she would be welcome at any time.”
When pressed about whether there were any actual plans underway to bring Swift to the halftime stage, Goodell was careful not to give too much away. “I can’t tell you anything about that,” he replied at first, before eventually adding: “It’s a maybe.”
Goodell also explained that the decision ultimately rests with Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation oversees the production of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. “I’m waiting on my friend Jay-Z to help me with that one,” he said. “It’s in his hands. I’m waiting for the smoke to come out.”
Representatives for Swift, Jay-Z, and Roc Nation did not immediately provide comment when contacted by Rolling Stone.
To make sure there was no misunderstanding, Goodell openly identified himself as a fan, saying: “I’m definitely a Swiftie.”
Swift appears to be a natural choice for the 2026 Super Bowl, which takes place in February at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Her name has surfaced as a strong possibility in recent years, and she will soon release her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Oct. 3. That timing would give her a brand-new set of songs to showcase. And since the album will not be eligible for Grammy consideration until 2027, her calendar could align with a Super Bowl performance.
Her history with the NFL also helps make the case. She sang the National Anthem in 2006 at the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game, performed at the league’s Opening Kickoff event in New Orleans in 2010, previewed “Me!” during the 2019 NFL Draft, and even premiered a trailer for Midnights during the third quarter of a 2022 Thursday night matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals.
Of course, Swift’s presence at NFL games has only grown in the past year, thanks to her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star and now-fiancé Travis Kelce.
For the moment, fans will have to wait for an official confirmation. Based on last year’s timeline, when Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headliner on Sept. 8, it seems news about the 2026 halftime show could be coming soon.
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