Winter Olympics 2026: George Kittle, the tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, proved that even the level of intensity at the Olympics can’t prevent a good sense of humor. The NFL player was part of a viral online trend that he attended while watching the women’s hockey semifinals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Even though he was there as a fan and not as an NFL player, Kittle quickly gained the attention of the internet. His appearance occurred during the intense game between Team USA and Sweden, making an already exciting game even more so. While fans cheered on the U.S. team’s way to the gold medal game, Kittle embraced the viral trend that surrounded the hit hockey romance series Heated Rivalry.
Who Is George Kittle?
George Kittle is a professional American football player who currently plays as a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). Since joining the National Football League in 2017, George Kittle has emerged as one of the best tight ends in the league, famous for his excellent catching skills, rugged running style, and entertaining personality. He has been chosen for several Pro Bowls and has won All-Pro awards, making him one of the most admired players in his position. George Kittle is also well-liked by fans and is often featured in the media due to his friendly and amiable personality.
What Happened in the Viral Skit
Influencer Matthew Kearney, known online as “Gay Cousin Matt,” filmed a lip‑sync video at the rink with Kittle. They used audio from one of the show’s well‑known cottage scenes. In the clip, Kearney mouths, “Come to my house. We’ll have so much fun. It’s so private, no one will know,” while portraying the character Shane Hollander. Kittle, playing the role of Ilya Rozanov, responds in sync with the audio, “Hollander you know I can’t do that.”
The video included a humorous overlay that read: “I asked an NFL player to go to the cottage and he said no,” adding to the meme’s entertainment value. Kearney later shared that he originally asked Christian McCaffrey to join, but the running back encouraged him to feature Kittle instead.
Why ‘Heated Rivalry’ Is Driving the Trend
The trend comes from Heated Rivalry, a very popular hockey romance series based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers books. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, gaining attention from athletes and fans alike and helping start conversations about representation in professional sports.
George Kittle’s Off‑Field Personality Shines Online
Kittle’s cameo shows how sports culture is blending with online trends and fandoms. His openness to join the moment also highlights his reputation as a likeable and approachable athlete, making him one of the most recognized NFL players off the field.
George Kittle Witnesses a Historic Olympic Win
The skit took place during a memorable Olympic run by the U.S. women’s hockey team. In the semifinals, the United States defeated Sweden, and in the final, they beat Canada 2–1 in overtime to win the gold medal.
While fans celebrated the championship victory, Kittle’s viral moment reminded everyone that even at the highest level of competition, sports can still be fun, humorous, and a way to connect with others.
