Has the NFL gone soft? This debate raged when the league banned hip style drop tackle ahead of the new season. This was after the earlier decision to ban low tackles. Hence, there has been an argument that the sport may have dropped in intensity and this is what New England Patriots legend Matt Light addressed on the latest episode of Games with Names alongside his former teammate Julian Edelman.

Over the last few years, there have been changes in pro football, especially when it comes to its presentation. With the Taylor Swift effect in full flow, it is believed that the league’s image is changing from a full-blooded sport to a mix of sports and entertainment and this is something, Light believes the league needs to look at.

Light said that the league needs to bring back “the violent side of the game.” “You should wanna try to knock the guy out across the line from you. Legally. But in today’s world, how in the world do you prepare yourself,” he said.

The former professional mentioned that the revenue coming through FanDuel and all the gambling sites, is masking NFL’s “real problem” and stated, “the average fan and the rabid fan, has left the game in droves and that’s not a good thing for football.”

This statement of the 45-year-old is in fact backed by statistics and research. Over the years, there has been a drastic shift in the NFL fanbase. From dads and sons, the sport has now involved massive female viewership and spread across generations.

This necessarily doesn’t entail a “problem.” However, since 2020, male viewership, even though still more than female engagement, has reduced, according to SponsorPulse. The 2020 season witnessed 51% of American women engaging in the game of football which skyrocketed in 2023. The latter observed a steady and balanced impact created by Taylor Swift through her relationship with Chiefs TE Travis Kelce. Surprisingly, the Chiefs game witnessed a 63% increase in female viewers (18-49).

According to data from CBS news, Kelce and Swift’s relationship caused 24% of Gen Z and 20% of millennials to tune into NFL. But will they be long term fans? Especially, once the ‘Taylor Swift effect’ is worn out? Light shares the same concerns.

For Matt Light, “There’s only so much Taylor Swift, ‘The Swifties,’ can do, okay? Keep going down that road, and see how that pans out,” before suggesting, “we need to bring the violence back.”

The 45-year-old mentioned that restrictions on contracts during the offseason have hurt linemen’s ability to develop and get necessary practice. So, in order to work for the betterment of players, it’s time for the league to stay focused on players and their preparation, rather than on generating revenue.

Light isn’t alone in feeling that the NFL has mellowed. Former Patriots centerback, Asante Samuels, also feels the NFL rule changes could transform it into something closer to flag football. Speaking on the Said What Needs to be Said podcast last year, Samuels said while rule changes that reduce the risk of injuries among players are alright, more attention should be given to improving the quality of turf or enhancing player health protocols. He believed reducing the physical aspect from the game would take away from its essence.

In March, the NFL’s competition committee unanimously voted to ban the hip-drop tackle from next season and it divided the fans and players.

Meanwhile, Light former teammate, Tom Brady too didn’t seem to be enjoying the NFL last season, especially with all the focus received by the Chiefs, thanks to their new fan base.

Tom Brady trolled Mahomes and the Chiefs

Back in May, Tom Brady addressed the live audience at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California on his live roast. He teased the Kansas City Chiefs for having young girls as their fans.

He joked about Arrowhead Stadium’s reputation for being the loudest. He commented, “Kansas City, you say your stadium is the loudest. It helps when all your fans are 14-year-old girls. And In honor of Tay-Tay, let’s take a look at the Chiefs’ eras – terrible for 50 years, good for five, ‘shake it off’.”

Brady’s jokes were in good fun, referencing how Swift’s relationship with the Chiefs tight end brought many of her fans to support the team. These fans also grew fond of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes, who became friends with Swift. Whatever the opinions might be, it’s true that the NFL and Chiefs have gained immensely from Taylor Swift’s presence.

Players like Tyrann Mathieu, Bijan Robinson, and Victor Cruz, all agree about the Swift effect, admitting that her presence has definitely grabbed more eyeballs than the previous seasons. According to Apex Marketing Group, Swift has helped Chiefs and the NFL generate an estimated $331.5 million between print, digital, radio, TV, highlights and social media.

As September approaches slowly, the NFL might again prepare to welcome its previous year’s “Rookie of the Year”–Taylor Swift. However, only time will tell how the fan wave will ride for the upcoming years. Whether the league will reestablish the dominance of its old-school fanbase or permanently blend the various categories of enthusiasts.