Former NFL offensive lineman Jasen Esposito, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 300 pounds, has shared the story of how he became Taylor Swift's first bodyguard.
Esposito, who played for the Buffalo Bills, was contacted by Scott Swift, Taylor Swift's father, shortly after his athletic career ended in 2005. Scott Swift asked Esposito if he was available to stand by his daughter during an autograph signing event.
"He calls me up and asked me what I was doing Saturday afternoon… 'I'm gonna need you to stand by Taylor for her autograph signing hour,'" Esposito recounted on the Ross Tucker Podcast. Esposito, having no other plans, accepted the offer and stood by Swift for the duration of the event.
According to Esposito, Scott Swift was concerned about his daughter's safety following an incident where a fan attempted to hug her at a prior engagement. The Swift family was seeking a physically imposing individual to ensure her security. Esposito, a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, the same hometown as Taylor Swift, was considered a suitable candidate.
During the autograph signing, Swift's first tour bus was present, and she performed several songs for the attendees. Esposito also mentioned working another security gig in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Esposito entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Kutztown University. He initially signed with the New England Patriots before spending two seasons on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.