Opposing quarterbacks preparing for the Chiefs while fielding Taylor Swift questions ahead of matchups just seems to be the norm these days. Patriots’ Bailey Zappe was no exception.
Zappe stood on the podium at Wednesday’s press conference and had one thing he had to get off his chest: He’s not not a Taylor Swift fan.
The 2022 fourth-round draft pick told reporters he was a fan of “country” Taylor but not “pop” Taylor and clarified some comments he made about the singer before.
“I’m a country guy. I listen to country music,” Zappe said. “She used to be country, so there were times where if Taylor Swift’s country song came on, I’d listen to it. Now she’s moved over to pop. I’m not a pop guy, so … I’m a fan, I just don’t listen to that type of music.”
Bailey Zappe asked about the headlines that he's not a Taylor Swift fan.
— Ian Steele (@IanSteeleABC6) December 13, 2023
"Okay, so..."
"I used to be a fan. I'm a country guy... I'm not a pop guy."@RochieWBZ: "Why you gotta be so mean?"
Zappe: ????"I don't know that song, sorry!"
Exchange with @sophieewellerr and @kguregian pic.twitter.com/0IVBp39Qfk
In other words, Zappe would rock with the song “Tim McGraw” but probably not “Anti-Hero.”
The Pats quarterback will certainly be painted as the anti-hero when his team plays Kansas City at Gillette Stadium, home to a handful of Taylor Swift's most iconic concert performances. Fellow quarterback Mac Jones attended an Eras Tour show in Foxborough this past summer, though he'll be taking yet another seat to the main act this weekend.
Zappe got his second start of the season in last week’s 21—18 victory over the Steelers and is expected to resume starting duties against Kansas City. The two teams play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.