When Curling & Football Collide: Brad Gushue Teams Up with NFL Superstar George Kittle
In an unexpected fusion of finesse and force, curling met the NFL in a thrilling crossover as Canadian curling legend Brad Gushue joined forces with San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle. The unlikely duo came together during a special Grand Slam of Curling event, merging two vastly different worlds to celebrate sportsmanship, skill, and fun.
Hosted in San Francisco as part of a promotional collaboration between the Grand Slam of Curling and the NFL, the event offered fans a unique opportunity to see elite athletes swap roles. Kittle, known for his explosiveness on the football field, brought his competitive spirit and infectious energy to the curling sheet. With guidance from Gushue, an Olympic gold medalist and four-time Brier champion, Kittle quickly got the hang of the game’s strategy and precision.
“I’ve tackled some of the biggest guys in the NFL, but sliding on ice while aiming at a target? That’s a whole different ball game,” Kittle joked. “Brad makes it look so easy. This was a blast.”
Gushue was equally impressed by Kittle’s athleticism and enthusiasm. “George has incredible balance and focus. He picked up the basics faster than I expected. It’s great to see someone at the top of a different sport appreciate the nuances of curling.”
The exhibition drew a sizable crowd and sparked conversations about the potential for future cross-sport events. It highlighted not just the differences between the rough-and-tumble NFL and the icy precision of curling, but also the shared values of discipline, teamwork, and passion.
While Kittle may not be trading touchdowns for takeouts anytime soon, the event was a clear win for sports fans everywhere, showcasing the joy and unity that come when worlds collide.
