Jason Kelce, the former NFL offensive lineman, and his wife, Kylie, are currently in France to cheer for Team USA during the Olympics.

Their vacation, however, took an unexpected twist when Kelce found himself in an impromptu arm wrestling match with rugby star Nicole Heavirland.

Heavirland, who began her career at the United States Military Academy, is a prominent figure in women’s rugby.

At 29, she has already made significant strides, debuting with the United States national team in 2017 after switching from collegiate basketball. Standing at 5’5″ and weighing 145 lbs, Heavirland is known for her strength and agility—attributes that earned her a spot on the Olympic team in both 2021 and 2023.

On the other hand, Kelce, standing at 6’3″ and weighing 295 lbs, recently retired from a stellar NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although he has shed some weight since his retirement, his strength remains formidable.

The arm wrestling match took place before the women’s rugby sevens competition. It was a tightly contested battle lasting over 30 seconds. Kelce, sporting a beret, was declared the winner. However, the victory was not without controversy. Observers noted that Kelce used his left hand to gain leverage by holding onto the table, a move considered illegal in arm wrestling. In contrast, Heavirland played by the rules, keeping her off-hand out of the contest.

Calls for a rematch are growing, with many arguing that Kelce’s victory should be reconsidered due to his use of illegal leverage. A fair contest might have seen Heavirland come out on top, showcasing her incredible strength and competitive spirit.

As the debate continues, both athletes have expressed mutual respect and good sportsmanship. Whether a rematch will take place remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this unexpected showdown has added an extra layer of excitement to the Olympic festivities in France.