Move over, football—the Kelce brothers are all about hockey supremacy this week. NFL icons Travis and Jason Kelce, fresh off their own gridiron glory, turned their full attention to the ice, passionately celebrating Team USA's historic double-gold medal performance at the Winter Olympics. While the nation cheered the men's first hockey gold in 46 years, the brothers made a point to amplify the monumental achievement of the U.S. women's team.
A Golden Shoutout for the Champions
Following a thrilling Sunday of Olympic hockey finals, the Kelces declared the United States the undisputed king and queen of the rink. "Hockey capital of the world," Jason Kelce proclaimed on their podcast. "I mean, dude, we're men's and women's gold medal. Best country on the planet in hockey." The brothers shared that they had the chance to connect with the women's team after the men's victory, noting their incredible camaraderie. "They're a great team, man. They're tight knit. They're playing jokes on one another. Just so proud for all of them," Jason added.
Spotlight on a Trailblazer from the Heights
The Kelce support had a special hometown flavor. Jason gave a massive shoutout to forward Laila Edwards, who hails from the brothers' beloved Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Edwards made history in Milan as the first African American woman to play for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team. "Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights," Jason said, referencing her own proud claim. "I've got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink... She was very, very good throughout the Olympics." He praised not just her skill but her character, saying, "There's just like this humbleness, but also like she's a great person and it comes across very apparent when you speak to her."
An Overtime Thriller for the Ages
The women's gold medal game was an instant classic, perfectly embodying the fierce USA-Canada rivalry. In a nail-biting contest, Canada struck first in the second period, holding a 1-0 lead deep into the final frame. With American hopes fading, legendary captain Hilary Knight authored a storybook moment, tipping in a crucial goal with just over two minutes left in regulation to force overtime.
The extra period was pure tension until defender Megan Keller became a national hero. Just over four minutes into sudden death, Keller slid a perfect backhand shot past Canadian goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, unleashing a wave of red, white, and blue celebration. The 2-1 victory secured the United States' third Olympic gold in women's hockey, reclaiming the throne from Canada after their 2022 win.
Knight's Fitting Finale
The victory was a crowning achievement for Hilary Knight, playing in her fifth and final Olympics. Her clutch game-tying goal wasn't just dramatic; it cemented her legacy as the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic hockey history, with 15 goals and 33 points. She led an American squad that was utterly dominant throughout the tournament, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record while outscoring opponents by a staggering 33-2 margin.
The game's intensity captivated a global audience, shattering viewership records to become one of the most-watched women's hockey games ever. It was a testament to the sport's growth and the pinnacle of athletic competition on the world's biggest stage.
By using their massive platform to highlight the women's team's skill, historic achievement, and personal stories like Edwards', the Kelce brothers did more than just offer congratulations. They helped ensure these champions received the monumental recognition they deserve, proving that for these football stars, supporting Team USA excellence knows no seasonal bounds.
