'Girl dad' Jason Kelce tells Team USA star player Ilona Maher he's 'officially a fan of women's rugby'

PARIS, FRANCE: Jason Kelce is Team USA women's rugby's unofficial superfan (and mascot).

On Sunday, July 28, the retired Philadelphia Eagles star received an enlightening lecture from rugby star Ilona Maher about why he should become the official superfan of the women’s rugby team. 

Kelce, 36, stopped by the team’s locker room as they were celebrating after the winning game against Brazil at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During their lively conversation, Maher, who has become the nation’s favorite after displaying extraordinary skills during the matches, jokingly tried to convince the former NFL star to become their mascot.

Jason Kelce is unofficial mascot of Team USA women's rugby team

During the conversation, Maher, as seen in the video uploaded on her Instagram, made a very convincing argument with Kelce. 

"Women's water polo has Flavor Flav as their superfan," said Maher to the French beret-wearing Kelce, before explaining, "You are a girl dad," reported People.

The 27-year-old joked, "Do you get anything from being our superfan? No.”

As Kelce stroked his beard pretending to be contemplating, Maher added, "There's no reward, no money, no benefits, I don't think I can get you free stuff."

Nevertheless, Maher’s persuasion "You're a great salesman," Kelce joked back, before addressing the camera and declaring, "I am officially a fan of women's rugby, Olympics."

Maher sounded proud of herself as she declared, "We got Jason Kelce!" The father-of-three reacted with laughter as the rest of the rugby team screamed with joy in the background. 

"Girl dad" Kelce has three daughters, Wyatt, four, Elliotte, three, and Bennett, one, with his wife Kylie Kelce. 

Previously, he and Kylie were seen cheering for Team USA during the women’s field hockey game on Saturday when the American women played against Argentina. 

In an interview with the Associated Press, Kelce revealed that as he and his wife were asked to attend the women’s hockey game, they did not want to miss the opportunity. 

He shared, “When we found out that we were going to have an opportunity to go to this, the more we thought about it, we were like, ‘Let’s take advantage of it now that we can actually do it.’”

The elder Kelce brother, whose younger sibling Travis Kelce is the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, added, “We love sports, we love competition, we love world events. This is such a unique place where the entire world gets to come together and bond over competition and sports.”

Jason Kelce captivates fans with viral interaction with Ilona Maher

The internet erupted in excitement over the unexpected collaboration, heralding it as the crossover fans had been eagerly anticipating. Enthusiastic supporters, including Swifties, quickly embraced the US women’s rugby team, with many declaring that Jason Kelce’s involvement had made him the unofficial mascot and significantly boosted the team’s fanbase.

One fan gushed, "The crossover we’ve been waiting for. @jason.kelce 🤝 rugby."

Another commented, "Ummm he got to meet Ilona Maher, I’d say that’s something."

"Official USA Rugby hype-man: confirmed," chimed in another fan. 

Someone else added, "Jason Kelce the unofficial ✨official✨ girl dad of the US women’s rugby team."

Another fan shared their observation on the surprise collab by saying, "Jason Kelce meeting Ilona Maher? You know he’s trying to play it cool, but inside he’s totally fanboying! 😂💪 #Starstruck."

"Two golden people ❤️ the collab we didn’t know we needed!" declared another.

A fan of Taylor Swift spoke on behalf of Swifties, "If you have Jason, you have the Swifties so…"

A supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles similarly chimed in, "You got all of philly with you now. Whether you like it or not."

"These two coming together is the most wholesome of wholesome vibes 🫶✨," said someone else. 

Another fan added, "Two people have never had more of the same energy and I am here for it! Elite athletes, funny af and beautiful human beings inside and out! So proud of Ilona and Team USA Women's Rugby! Let's Goooooo❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️."

"Okay whoever had the trifecta of American Mascots (Snoop, Flav, and Jason) on their 2024 bingo card because I didn’t, but I would like to thank whoever manifested this!!!!" commented another fan.

"Omg I would have been fan girling super hard😂love Jason Kelce!!," added another enamored fan. 

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