The Diamonds of the Season: NFL Edition

Alas, we have finally reached the greatest time of year, football season. The weather cools, friends gather, rivals are faced, and celebs are spotted cheering on their favs. Bonuses of this time of year include increased Taylor content, loads of buffalo chicken dip, and fantasy football (check out Sportsish’s all-girl, Swiftie-themed league)! While waiting for preseason to end and the league to start officially, we’ve been binge-watching Bridgerton and couldn’t help but reflect on the NFL stand-out stars of the season, our “Diamonds of the Season.”

George Kittle

If you watched Receiver on Netflix, George’s name on this list should not surprise you. He is a natural-born leader, hypeman, dotting husband, hardworking, dog-loving, player. George’s mindset has been crucial to the San Fransico 49er’s success for multiple seasons - win or lose, George stands with his team. Every aspect of his life is to improve himself constantly. His mantras are centered around his breathing, where he “inhales confidence, exhales fear.” After last year’s Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time, we are crossing our fingers that George can lead his team to victory and hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February.

Brandon Graham

After 14 seasons, including a legendary Super Bowl win in 2018, Brandon Graham is ready for a new chapter. His fifteenth and final season is a franchise record and will be played with the Philadelphia Eagles. There is no better place for Brandon to end his career than the city he made “home.” The love is reciprocated by his teammates, who call him the “wise old owl” in the locker room and by Philly fans everywhere. Perhaps Brandon’s best moment was his fourth-quarter strip sack against Tom Brady in 2018, securing the Bird’s historic win. Every moment a player has in the NFL is significant, but we know this year’s moments mean more to Brandon than ever.

Bo Nix

The QB drama in Denver is finally over after head coach Sean Payton named rookie Bo Nix as the starter. The twelfth overall draft pick beat out Zach Wilson, former QB for the New York Jets, and Jared Stidham, former New England Patriot. The fate of the Bronco’s QB was up in the air after a disastrous season last year. Bo’s supported by many within the franchise, as Sean Payton described his preseason performance as “outstanding.” It seems Bo Nix is the knight in blue and orange that Denver so desperately needs!

Jalen Hurts

The Prince of Philadephia is ready for the 2024 season, turning a devastating 2023 season into water under the bridge. During training camp, Jalen showed his skills improved even more during the off-season, after he threw only one interception the entire camp, ending a 305-completed pass streak. The 2023 season started strong for the Eagles, but quickly fell apart, losing their first post-season game to Miami. The streets of Philly have been buzzing about the rebuilding of this team, and Jalen is here to quiet all fears. With four seasons under his belt, Jalen is the #1 QB to watch this year. Please, please, please don’t hurt our hearts this year, Jalen!

Travis Kelce

It’s a new dawn for Travis Kelce, as this is the first time in years only one Kelce brother will compete in the NFL. Travis had an extremely busy off-season, traveling the world with Taylor Swift and filming multiple shows. However, this preseason showed that the tight end is back on top as one of the best in the league. Sporting a new cut and mustache, Travis appeared to take training season seriously. He even caught a behind-the-back pass from his on-field bestie, Patrick Mahomes! There are many reasons why we are excited for Travis this year, but the number one is definitely to see Taylor cheering him on again!