Tom Brady and other NFL stars grabbed attention online this weekend after a big winter sports event. Both current and retired players quickly took to social media to react to a dramatic game between two longtime rivals. Their comments showed that the NFL community’s interests go well beyond just football.
NFL legends and current starstook to X to mark the moment. Brady posted a photo with U.S. hockey players,featuring the single word “LEGENDS,” in praise of the team’s effort, capturing attention across the league.
LEGENDS 🥇 @usahockey pic.twitter.com/R1BUGBPDmC
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 22, 2026
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomesresponded with three U.S. flags in a post soon after the final whistle, conveying support without commentary.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 22, 2026
Former Colts punter Pat McAfee shared his celebration live, posting a string of patriotic posts featuring American flags and declaring victory. Former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin IIIoffered a more pointed take, linking the outcome to other Olympic results in a post that drew commentary.
Canada cheating to win Curling Gold, cost them the Olympic Gold in Hockey. The ice don’t lie.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 22, 2026
Other NFL personalities also chimed in. Former Saints tight end George Kittle shared a celebratory post, while retired quarterback Kurt Warnerpraised the level of play in his own message.
US MEN’s HOCKEY!!!! 🥇 What a game!!!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) February 22, 2026
As expected, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittledidn’t hold back. He jumped into the celebrations by telling everyone to play “Free Bird,” a classic rock anthem, to mark the victory.
USA PLAY FREE BIRD!!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) February 22, 2026
Their reactions showed a genuine admiration for the team’s performance and proved that many football figures enjoy following winter sports just as much as their own game.
Reactions from NFL personalities showed shared pride in the national achievement. They also recognized the skill and heartbreak that come with competing at the highest level.
USA Hockey ends 46-year gold drought over Canada
The United States men’s ice hockey teamdefeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on February 22, 2026, to win the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This victory ended a 46-year gold medal drought, occurring exactly 46 years to the day after the famous “Miracle on Ice” win against the Soviet Union in 1980.
NFL Players Pour Massive Respect for Team USA’s Historic Olympic Victory vs. Canada Ending 46-Year Gold Drought Credit: David W Cerny/Reuters via Imagn Images
NFL Players Pour Massive Respect for Team USA’s Historic Olympic Victory vs. Canada Ending 46-Year Gold Drought Credit: David W Cerny/Reuters via Imagn Images
The final was a tightly contested defensive battle characterized by elite goaltending and high physical intensity.Matt Boldy opened the scoring for the U.S. just six minutes into the first period. Canada’s Cale Makar tied the game late in the second period (38:16 mark) with a precisely placed shot.
Jack Hughes scored the “golden goal” 1 minute and 41 seconds into 3-on-3 overtime, firing a shot through the five-hole of Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington.
U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck was the standout performer, making 41 saves on 42 shots. His performance included a spectacular “paddle save” against Devon Toews in the third period to keep the game tied.