Jelly Roll has jumped into the discussion surrounding the comparisons Shannon Sharpe recently drew between Taylor Swift and the late Michael Jackson.
The NFL Hall of Famer brought the topic up during a recent episode of Nightcap while discussing Swift’s impact on the NFL with Ochocinco. According to a report from the Front Office, the pop star has brought in $331million in value to the league since attending Kansas City Chiefs games to support her boyfriend Travis Kelce this season.
“The attention that she brings and the people, the eyes, that she brings that don’t even watch the game of football – it’s crazy what she’s been able to do for the NFL,” Ochocinco said. “Tell me the other person that’s gonna do that?” Sharpe responded, to which Ocho Cinco quickly shot back: “Beyoncé.”
“Not like this!” Sharpe said. “These eight-to-15-year-old eyeballs? Ocho, I love Beyoncé. Beyoncé ain’t moving the needle like this chick, Ocho… She’s the closest thing to moving the needle like Michael Jackson that we’ve seen. This is it.”
Jelly Roll seems to agree with this take. While appearing on a new episode of Complex’s That’s Deep published on Wednesday (January 31), he said: “I think different eras but I think mirror images.”
However, he also noted: “What Michael did was so specific to that time it’ll never happen again.”
You can view the clip below:
Shannon Sharpe’s comments did not sit well with Beyoncé fans, however.
Some argued that Queen Bey would generate the same kind of attention if she was dating an NFL star, with one person commenting: “If Beyoncé was single and dating cam newton or an Odell in thier prime definitely would have moved the needle.”
Another said: “Now Unc I’m with you when you’re right but if Beyonce was with an NFL player she would’ve moved the needle just like Taylor if not further!”
Sharpe was defended by some, with one user writing: “Shannon right nobody moving needles like Taylor.”
Another added: “Swift is the biggest star in the world right now, there is no competition.”
This is not the first time that Shannon Sharpe has caused a stir with his music opinions. He previously dissed rappers from Buffalo which led to a response from Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher.
Benny wrote on X: “Funny thing is I jus seen this ugly mufucka like a week ago at the airport in Atlanta. i was the one with the big jewels you kept starring at.”
Sharpe then replied: “Bruh, I don’t know you. Don’t take it personal. Hell, it’s a lot of ppl that don’t know me. Buffalo is still known for the Bills, wings and Rick James not rappers.”
Gunn also chimed in: “Its Bool if it wasn’t for Steven A Smith I wouldn’t know who Skip was and If it wasn’t for Skip I wouldn’t know u was either.”
