Former NFL lineman Jasen Esposito recalled how he went from blocking pass rushers to fending off Swifties as he briefly became the bodyguard for the world’s biggest pop star.
In an episode of Ross Tucker’s podcast, Esposito revealed how he was placed in charge of security for Taylor Swift.
The former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman had his athletic career end in 2005 before his second career began with a call from Scott Swift, Taylor’s father.
‘He calls me up and asked me what I was doing Saturday afternoon…’ Esposito said.
Esposito, who stood 6-foot-4 and weighed 300 pounds, says he was asked by Scott, ‘I’m gonna need you to stand by Taylor for her autograph signing hour.’
Having nothing else to do, Esposito said yes to the gig and ‘stood next to Taylor the whole time.’
Former NFL lineman Jasen Esposito recalled when he worked as Taylor Swift’s first bodyguard
He says Swift previously was hugged by a fan and was in need of a ‘big intimidating guy’
Esposito went undrafted out of college and was on the Bills practice squad for two seasons
Esposito says Scott was worried for his daughter’s safety after someone tried to hug her at a previous engagement. So, Scott and Taylor were looking for a ‘big intimidating guy’ to be around.
Being free, Esposito said yes and ‘stood next to Taylor the whole time.’
‘Scott thought of me right away,’ said Esposito – a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Taylor’s home town.
He added that Swift’s first tour bus was at the autograph signing and that she performed some songs for the crowd. He also recalled working another gig in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Esposito was an undrafted free agent in the NFL out of Kutztown University. He signed a contract with the New England Patriots before spending two seasons on the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
Swift, meanwhile, went on to sell millions of albums, set world records for tour revenue and became one of the most popular musicians of her generation.
