Saturday, August 31, 2024

Ballers Doin' Baller Things: Tay-Tay Buys a Piece, Kelce Trade, Another New Logo

New Ballers co-owner Taylor Swift, new Ballers TE Travis Kelce and Baller-in-Chief Mojo D chop it up on Kelce's "New Heights" podcast

By Soren Bernyn
FSPN


In a blockbuster move that has the Nashville Fantasy Football Association (NFFA) buzzing, pop icon Taylor Swift has acquired a "significant" interest in the Ballers, a team that has been a perennial contender in the league. It was a frantic week of negotiations with the Midtown Brown's Joey Vietti and Swift's business machine, and the deal was finalized around midnight(s) Friday, with Mojo D and Swift doing a brief announcement via Kelce's New Heights channels.

For most fans, the news was as surprising as it was exciting, but those in the know understand that this acquisition was years in the making. The connection between Swift and the Ballers’ majority owner, Mojo D, is a story worthy of the songwriter’s own lyrical prowess—a tale woven from the threads of music, business, and football.

The Mojo D-Taylor Swift Connection
To truly understand how this deal came together, one must rewind the clock to the early 2000s. Before Mojo D became a cryptocurrency innovator, he was a fixture on the fringe of the Nashville music scene. Around 2003, he working as a go-fer for Willis Alan Ramsey, the legendary Texas singer-songwriter. Ramsey, best known for his 1972 eponymous album and gigantic Captain & Tenille hit "Muskrat Love", was one of the first artists to recognize the burgeoning talent of a teenage Taylor Swift.

Mojo D, who at the time was just another aspiring musician, often found himself running errands, fetching coffee, and tuning guitars for Ramsey during studio and songwriting sessions. It was in this capacity that he first encountered Swift, a prodigious singer-songwriter whose raw talent was undeniable. Ramsey, known for his discerning ear, took Swift under his wing, providing her with invaluable advice and connections in the industry.

Mojo D and Swift crossed paths frequently during those formative years. Although their interactions were brief—often limited to quick exchanges in the studio or backstage at gigs—a mutual respect developed between the two. Swift, always keen on learning from those around her, absorbed the wisdom of Ramsey and his team, while Mojo D admired Swift’s work ethic and undeniable star power.

As Swift’s career took off, Mojo D pivoted away from the music industry, diving headfirst into the then-nascent world of cryptocurrency. Over the next decade, he amassed a fortune, becoming an influential figure in the crypto space. Despite his newfound wealth, Mojo D never forgot his roots in Nashville, maintaining connections with many in the music industry, including Swift.

The Ballers: You Know All Too Well
Mojo D’s foray into fantasy football was, in many ways, an extension of his love for high-stakes competition. The Ballers quickly became one of the most successful teams in the NFFA, known for their aggressive trades and mercurial draft moves. Under Mojo D’s ownership, the Ballers reached the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons and earned 3 Dead Linardo trophies in 2012, 2014 and 2022.

However, "last season was embarrassing - the Curse of the NFFA Champion is undefeated, but no team has ever gone first-to-worst in consecutive years," Mojo D said during the pod. "We needed a top-to-bottom housecleaning in the organization, and that started with me. I knew I needed a partner to bring fresh eyes to the team, and if you've been conscious the last 12 months, you've seen the Biggest Pop Star in the World come around to her fandom of this noble and brutal game."

Mojo D re-connected with Swift in person during the Eras Tour in Singapore and Paris, where he talked to Kelce in person and realized "holy shit - this guy is THE Baller. The deal with the Browns took some delicate negotiating, but I have to say, Joey and the Don are a pleasure to do business with - real gentlemen."

The Kelce Trade: You Need to Calm Down
In what some are calling the trade of the season and detractors are calling "Mojo D's fame-whore wet dream," the Ballers sent a package of 2024 draft picks to acquire Travis Kelce, the premier tight end in fantasy football. "Travis' ability to rack up points week after week was exactly what the Ballers need to solidify their offense," according the FSPN reporter and draft specialist Ayiy Semafor.

Swift, for her part, has remained characteristically tight-lipped about her plans for the team, but those close to her say she’s already deeply involved in day-to-day operations. With Kelce anchoring the Ballers’ offense, and Swift’s business acumen guiding the franchise, the team’s future looks brighter than ever. Her only comment during the "New Heights" segment was "I guess I'm in my Ballers Era now," which elicited whoops from Kelce and Mojo D.

A New Era for the Ballers?
As the Ballers head into the 2024 season, the excitement surrounding the team is palpable. Fans are eagerly anticipating what this new era of Swift ownership will bring, both on and off the field. One thing is certain: with Swift at the helm, the Ballers are poised to make a splash in the NFFA for years to come. As the dust settles on this historic deal, one can’t help but wonder if Swift’s involvement might just be the spark that propels the Ballers to a championship victory.





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