Retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is having a great time at the Paris Summer Olympics, enthusiastically supporting US athletes, particularly those in rugby.
While the men’s competition has concluded, with the United States finishing in eighth place, the women’s tournament is just starting, and the Americans are poised to perform well.
Kelce had the opportunity to meet the team on the day their tournament kicked off, facing Japan and Brazil.
He was even spotted arm wrestling one of the players, Nicole Heavirland from Whitefish, Montana, managing to win despite a controversial grip on the table.
When Heavirland challenged him about the table grip, Jason responded on Instagram, stating, ‘Gripping something with your off hand is entirely permissible by the International Federation of Arm Wrestling rules.’
Jason Kelce was seen arm wrestling Team USA rugby player Nicole Heavirland
Kelce also declared himself USA Rugby’s ‘super fan’ with some help from star Ilona Maher
Later on, Kelce was seen chatting with Team USA rugby star Ilona Maher, wearing a jersey that appeared to be signed by the entire team.
In an attempt to persuade Kelce about the team, Maher quipped, ‘Women’s water polo has Flava Flav as their super fan. And since you’re a girl dad, what’s in it for you as our super fan? Nothing really.’
‘There’s no money, no perks, I don’t even have any freebies. But to be our super fan, just say you’re a fan.’
‘I officially declare that I am a fan,’ Jason responded, earning cheers from the team in the backdrop.
The American women’s rugby team started strong, largely thanks to Maher, winning their first two matches in the Olympic tournament.
Maher, hailing from Burlington, Vermont, skillfully converted a try from well behind her own 22-meter line, pushing her way through the field.
This run included a powerful stiff-arm against a Japanese player, clearing her path down the pitch to convert a try that put the US up 22-7.
Maher and the United States won their first two matches of rugby sevens play in Paris
After Kayla Canett successfully converted the try, the US team added another seven points for an impressive final score of 36-7.
In their second match of the day, Maher added another try with another powerful run against Brazil.
Her second try was scored from even further behind the 22-meter line, using her stiff arm technique twice on her way to the try line.
The Americans triumphed in that match as well, defeating Brazil 15-7 for their second win of the day.
Currently, the USA women’s rugby sevens team is ranked fourth in the world according to the HSBC SVNS standings.
Having secured a spot in the quarterfinals, they are set to face the host nation and third-ranked France in a crucial battle for the lead in Group C.
At the Tokyo Olympics, the Americans finished first in their group but were knocked out by Team GB in the quarterfinals.
