Josh Allen explains ‘Taylor Swift’ audible call as TV footage goes viral
Taylor Swift fever continues to sweep across the NFL.
The American singer's blossoming relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has dominated the headline in recent weeks.
Swift-mania is so rife that fans are starting to hear the Grammy award winner's names during live NFL broadcasts.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen referenced a number of star sporting names while calling out audibles during Thursday night's clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Allen's play names included Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Bobby Wagner and NBA icon LeBron James.
Midway through the first quarter a number of fans thought they heard the Bills QB shout 'Taylor Swift' as he called changes at the line of scrimmage.
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One fan wrote on Twitter: "Josh Allen and the Bills dedicating a whole play to Taylor Swfit! This is the best thing I've seen all day. Wonder what Travis Kelce's reaction to this is?"
Another wrote: "Now the Bills and Josh Allen have dedicated a play to Taylor Swift. She’s really is taking over the league."
After the game NFL Network reporter confirmed that Allen had in fact called the name of James' former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, J.R Smith.
The report was corroborated by ESPN's senior NFL reporter, Jeremy Fowler, who wrote: "Josh Allen clarified the audible was J.R. Smith, not Taylor Swift."
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The confusion comes just days after retired NFL icon Rob Gronkowski suggested there was "too much" Swift coverage on TV.
"It’s just a little bit too much,†he told Kay Adams on her daily morning show. “We want more football.â€
Allen threw for three touchdowns and ran in another as the Bills resisted a late Bucs comeback to pick up 24-18 victory.
The 27-year-old completed 31 of 40 passes for 324 yards and an interception. He also ran the ball seven times for 41 yards.
Allen played down concerns around a shoulder injury that forced him to receive treatment during the second half.
"It's going to take a lot for me not to play," he said.
"I'm going to be a little sore for a couple of days but we have a great training staff and they'll help me out."
Elsewhere, wide receiver Gabe Davis had nine receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Tight-end Dalton Kincaid also crossed for his first ever NFL touchdown.