The USA women’s Rugby Sevens team made Olympic history by beating Australia to secure a bronze medal—this is the first medal ever won by the event in Olympic history.
The Rugby Sevens squad has seen a significant surge in popularity after their impressive performance in Paris, largely thanks to standout player Ilona Maher.
Maher’s fierce competitive drive has shone through at the Olympics, particularly when she has the ball. She has bulldozed her way past opponents, leading football fans to liken her to one of the NFL’s most formidable running backs: Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens.
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Ilona Maher #2 of Team United States looks on during the Women’s Rugby Sevens Pool C match between France and United States on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Michael Steele/Getty Images)
As it happens, Henry is a fan as well.
The Ravens shared a highlight of Henry watching Maher’s viral run against Japan, in which she executed a Henry-style stiff arm to pave the way for a remarkable try.
USA WOMEN’S RUGBY SEVENS TEAM UPSETS AUSTRALIA TO WIN BRONZE MEDAL IN WALK-OFF FASHION
“Get off of me!” Henry exclaimed in his reaction to Maher’s viral play.
He added, “Oh yeah, she’s got it—mindset, running strong and hard. Not going down at all, trying to reach the end zone. I love it. Makes me want to get out there, too.”
In a contact-heavy sport, Maher sought out physicality against Japan, sprinting down the right side of the field with defenders in her path. Instead of evading them, she plowed through the nearest Japanese player with a legendary stiff arm.
Maher was then off on a scoring spree in the lopsided win over Japan.
A similarly dominant run occurred against Brazil in the group stage, where she charged down the field for yet another try.
Maher’s impact on the NFL was evident earlier in the Olympics, when retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was seen sporting a shirt emblazoned with American flags and Maher’s likeness. Kelce donned the shirt during the women’s gymnastics team final, where Simone Biles & Company captured gold.
Ilona Maher of the United States is pursued by Sakura Mizutani of Team Japan during the Women’s Pool C match between United States and Japan on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Kelce also had the chance to meet Maher and the Rugby Sevens team, where he expressed on her TikTok that he’s now an official supporter after gaining insight about the sport.
While Team USA aspired for gold, the joy of securing a medal was evident, as Maher and her teammates shed tears of joy upon making history.
Their remarkable performances during the Olympics have fostered a widespread new fan base, and they are sure to receive a warm welcome upon returning to the States.
Baltimore Ravens star running back Derrick Henry responded to USA Rugby Sevens star Ilona Maher’s play that mirrored his own style. (Getty Images)
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Henry, along with many others, is already showing support.
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