Simone Biles learned the hard way that WAG life isn’t always glamorous — even during the holiday season. 

Biles, 27, and her husband, Jonathan Owens, were forced to spend Christmas evening in a hotel ahead of Owens and the Chicago Bears facing off against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, December 26. 

“Christmas looks a lil different when ya man gotta report to the hotel,” Biles posted via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, December 25.

Despite the Bears playing at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Thursday evening, many NFL teams will stay in hotels — with curfews — the night before home games.

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Despite Owens’ strict schedule, Biles did manage to make it out for a little festive fun with Torrie Brown, the partner of Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis. 

“Merry christmas @torriesbrown,” Biles posted via her Instagram Story with the pair holding up a couple of orange cocktails. 

Brown reposted the image to her own Instagram Story, calling Biles her “Christmas boo.”

Biles has been a regular fixture at Owens’ games, both home and away, since wrapping the Gold Across America tour in early November. 

The celebrated gymnast has been forced to adapt to a new kind of normal when it comes to the holidays, as she exclusively told Us Weekly ahead of the Bears game in Detroit against the Lions on Thanksgiving last month. 

“I’ll fly up in the morning and fly right back, just so we can still spend Thanksgiving together,” Biles told Us. “Holidays are revolving around sports right now, especially in the football world with them sometimes playing.”

While she was at the game cheering on her husband, Biles employed a crew back at the house to make sure everything ran smoothly. 

“We’ll just have a chef come and cook,” Biles explained. “I think some of his teammates will come through and grab a plate, especially if they don’t have family in the area. It is a little bit more difficult, but it is kind of nice that we can just relax.”

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After the Bears Thursday Night Football game against the Seahawks, Chicago will conclude its season on Sunday, January 5 in Green Bay against the Packers. 

With no playoff bid in sight for the Bears, Biles and Owens will finally have time to enjoy the dream home the couple — who got married in April 2023 — have been building together. 

“At this point, we’ve waited so long for it to be built, we’ll just wait until after the [NFL] season to move in,” Biles told Us in November. “Right now, they’re doing all of the backyard stuff. Jonathan wanted a half-basketball court, a barbeque pit, all of the good stuff. We did put an in-ground trampoline and a pool.”

Biles continued, “We’re literally almost there.”

Former Central Michigan University quarterback Tommy Lazzaro died on Sunday, December 22, after an apparent hunting accident in Florida. He was 27 years old. 

Lazzaro’s death was confirmed by the school on Thursday, December 26. 

“Several reports indicated that he passed away from a hunting accident,” the university said, indicating the incident happened in Destin, Florida. 

According to WILX-10, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the accident happened at the Eglin Air Force Base in Walton County, Florida. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said all involved parties remained on the scene and were cooperating with the investigation. 

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The former athlete was serving as a member of the United States Army at the time of his death, a career path he chose after playing football at Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019. 

“When we took over the program, Tommy was truly our leader in so many ways,” former Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain said in a statement. “CMU Football was blessed to have him and will always remember him for all he did for many of us. He will be missed by all of the Chippewas.”

Lazzaro played in 20 games during his career at Central Michigan, flourishing in the second half of the 2019 season when he earned the nickname “Touchdown Tommy.”

In the last 5 games of his senior season, Lazzaro scored seven rushing touchdowns, including two in the 2019 MAC Championship Game. 

He finished his career at Central Michigan with 16 touchdowns — 11 rushing and 5 passing. 

“He was a great soul,” former CMU athletic director Michael Alford told The Detroit News. “Couldn’t have met a better person who cared about others.”

In 2019, Lazzaro gushed about his experience at the university, both on and off the field. 

“This place has given me a home, an education, a place to meet some of my best friends ― guys I’ll know for the rest of my life,” he told student newspaper CM Life. 

After graduating with a degree in Entrepreneurship, Lazzaro followed the lead of his father and grandfather and enlisted in the United States Army, ultimately rising to the rank of sergeant. 

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A celebration of life for Lazzaro will be held on Saturday, December 28, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Lazzaro will then be buried with full military honors. 

According to his obituary, Lazzaro’s “dedication to his military career was evident in the professionalism and pride he brought to his role.”

“His service was marked by bravery and a commitment to protecting others, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers,” the obituary continued. “Beyond his military accomplishments, Thomas was known for his compassionate and jovial spirit, a personality that brought light and joy to everyone around him.”

Lazzaro is survived by his parents, Tom and Lisa, and sister, Lexie.

Jason Kelce has a reputation for being charitable around the holidays — but this year he wanted to level up. 

In accordance with the release of his holiday charity album, A Philly Special Christmas Party — which benefited local Philadelphia charities for the third year in a row — Kelce, 37, and musical collaborators Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson got in touch with their former Eagles teammate, Connor Barwin, with an unprecedented idea. 

“This last year, Jason, Jordan and Lane came to me and said they wanted to do something really big,” Barwin, 38, said in a video posted to Kelce’s YouTube channel on Thursday, December 26. “They wanted to use the proceeds from the record to get a gift for every single kid in the Philadelphia public school district.”

Barwin added, “I initially thought it wasn’t possible. Jason pushed me.”

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With the holiday season quickly approaching, the group got to work on what became known as Operation Snowball. 

Two weeks before Christmas, Kelce showed off the impressive fruits of their labor. “We’ve got an entire warehouse being filled with toys,” Kelce said in the video. “I’ve never really seen anything quite like this, to be honest with you.”

Kelce added, “To pull something off like this? Between the toys, the logistics, the schools, the teachers, the faculty. This is a truly monumental lift for a lot of people. I don’t know that this would be achievable in many places other than Philadelphia.”

One week before Christmas, Kelce and the crew enlisted the help of another famous friend: comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson. 

“Dude, thanks for coming,” Kelce told Davidson, 31. “Holy cow.”

Davidson helped hand out gifts at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin High School, where he jokingly referred to himself as an “Eagles WAG.”

Meanwhile, across town at Kirkbride Elementary, Kelce was gifted multiple friendship bracelets by excited students, an obvious nod to Taylor Swift, the girlfriend of Jason’s younger brother, Travis. 

Jason made another stop at Alliance for Progress Charter School, where he took the mic and addressed the students. 

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“To see the joy on all of your faces makes the whole thing worth it,” he told them. “I hope you enjoy the gifts. More importantly, I hope you have a happy holiday.”

When Jason was told by a local news reporter that some of the students had already said they planned on giving their gifts to their siblings, he joked, “If regifting isn’t in the spirit of Christmas, I don’t know what is.”

Ultimately, Operation Snowball handed out over 1 million gifts to more than 200,000 students across 338 different buildings. 

“To let 200,000 kids know, even in the smallest way, that they’re important and people are thinking about them during the holidays. It’s hard to understate how powerful that is,” Barwin said, “I think Jason and the guys understood that. That’s what this was all about.”

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was feeling the holiday spirit on Christmas Day — but quarterback Patrick Mahomes said it might be time for Reid to hang up his Santa suit. 

Reid, 66, surprised his team dressed as Santa Claus in the locker room after the Chiefs’ 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, December 25. The festive cameo drew an uproarious response from his players, however, Mahomes, 29, joked that his coach’s appearance has become increasingly dissimilar to Old Saint Nick himself. 

“He’s getting kinda skinny. He’s getting kinda skinny for the Santa,” Mahomes told reporters after the game. 

Still, Mahomes acknowledged that Reid “fits the role perfectly.”

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“It’s good for his health,” Mahomes said of his coach’s apparent weight loss, “so he’ll be a skinny Santa from now on.”

Reid previously dressed up as Santa for the Chiefs’ Christmas Eve game against the Miami Dolphins in 2017, taking questions from reporters dressed in the suit — which Mahomes remembered vaguely. 

 

“I believe my first year when I wasn’t starting he might have done it,” the quarterback recalled. 

Indeed, Mahomes took over the starting quarterback role in Kansas City in 2018 after serving as Tyler Bray’s backup for one season. 

Reid — who looks noticeably slimmer on the sidelines this season — told reporters “one of my elves” packed the Santa suit for the big Christmas surprise. 

“I can’t tell you the secrets,” Reid said slyly. “But there was an elf involved. For all you non-believers out there, doggunnit.”

As for Santa’s arrival inside the locker room on Wednesday, he came bearing a very coveted gift for the assembled players.

“How ‘bout those Chiefs!” Reid, as Santa, exclaimed. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Hey, Merry Christmas, men. Proud of you, dudes! Proud of you. For the present, you get home field advantage!”

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The Chiefs’ win over the Steelers clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC for Kansas City, ensuring a first-round bye and guaranteeing potential playoff games in the lead-up to February’s Super Bowl LIX would take place at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. 

To top off the locker room celebration, Chiefs equipment manager Chris Shropshire popped out of an equipment case, dressed as an elf, to reward Reid with a game ball. 

“Shropy, Shropy, Shropy!” the team chanted. 

The Chiefs close out the regular season on Sunday, January 5, against the Denver Broncos. Their first-round bye guarantees they won’t open the playoffs until the AFC Divisional Round, which kicks off on Sunday, January 18. 

The Gaudreau family leaned on each other during the first holiday season since the tragic deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew in August. 

Katie Gaudreau, the youngest sister of Johnny and Matthew, shared a photo of her parents, Guy and Jane, visiting with Johnny’s children on Christmas Day. 

“John is happy mom and dad stopped to give the babies and Mer some lovin,” Katie, 26, shared via Instagram Story on Wednesday, December 25. “The best mom-mom and pop-pop.”

Johnny, a star with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, shared daughter Noa, now 2, and son Johnny, now 20 months, with his wife, Meredith Gaudreau. At a memorial service for the brothers in September, Meredith revealed she was in her ninth week of pregnancy with the couple’s third baby.

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On August 29, the day before Katie was supposed to get married, Johnny and Mathew were struck and killed by a drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, while riding bicycles together in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Johnny was 31 years old, Matthew was 29. 

Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, celebrated the Christmas holiday with a newborn on the way. Madeline is currently pregnant with the couple’s first baby, a boy to be named Tripp. 

“Tripp is all set to hit the ice,” Madeline posted via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, sharing a picture of a youth hockey helmet that had been gifted to her son. 

Johnny and Matthew’s mother, Jane, shared a carousel of Christmas photos from over the years via Instagram on Wednesday. 

“Our 2024 Christmas family photo in front of the Christmas tree will be this beautiful Christmas ornament we received,” Jane wrote, sharing a photo of an ornament featuring a picture of the family from Johnny and Meredith’s wedding in September 2021. “Remembering all the wonderful Christmas Eves our family has spent together ”

Christmas came just weeks after Matthew should have celebrated his 30th birthday. 

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“Happy 30th Birthday my dear Matty!” Jane wrote via Instagram on December 5. “I miss you every single minute of every day. You were such an amazing son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, and dog Dad! I know you would have been an amazing Daddy to Tripp. I promise to love Tripp as much as I love you and tell him all the wonderful stories about you.”

Jane concluded, “I know John did something special for you today! Love you forever!”

Shortly before Christmas, Johnny and Matthew were honored with a pre-game ceremony before the Saturday, December 21, game between the Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.

A ceremonial puck drop was held, which featured on-ice appearances from Guy, Jane, Katie, Meredith, Noa and baby Johnny. 

Members of the Flyers arrived at the game wearing the jerseys of Gloucester Catholic High School, the high school team Johnny and Matthew played for, which is roughly a 10-minute drive from the Flyers arena. 

Travis Kelce thanked Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for keeping an extra gift in his back pocket on Christmas Day. 

Kelce, 35, took an unsportsmanlike penalty for his touchdown celebration on Wednesday, December 25, slamming the football through the goalpost as an homage to Tony Gonzalez, who Kelce had just surpassed on the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown receptions list. 

As a result, Butker, 29, was forced to kick a 48-yard extra point, instead of the usual 33-yard attempt, thanks to Kelce’s 15-yard penalty. 

After the game, Kelce told reporters he wasn’t concerned in the slightest about what his penalty might incur. 

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“I knew the score,” he said. “I knew my guy Harrison had my back on the field goal.”

Kelce’s fourth quarter touchdown and Butker’s ensuing extra point put the Chiefs up 29-10 on the Pittsburgh Steelers, which would end up being the final score. The victory guaranteed Kansas City the No. 1 seed in the AFC, ensuring a first-round bye in the playoffs. 

Butker returned to the Chiefs lineup during the team’s December 15 game against the Cleveland Browns after missing the previous four games with a meniscus tear in his left knee. 

Currently in his eighth season with Kansas City, Butker stoked controversy for his commencement address at Benedictine College in May when he called on women to embrace the role of “homemaker” and equated Pride Month to a “deadly sin,” among other inflammatory comments. 

As for the touchdown celebration itself, Kelce was happy to honor Gonzalez, 48, who spent the first 12 seasons of his illustrious NFL career with the Chiefs. 

“It’s showing Tony some love and just a big tribute to who he’s been, not only in this organization, but who he’s been for football,” Kelce said. “We know how iconic it was that he would dunk the ball through the goalpost all the time.”

Kelce added with a smile, “I gave it my best effort. I don’t know if I did it quite like him. I gave it a run.”

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The Christmas Day win improved Kansas City’s record to an NFL-best 14-1, and Kelce argued the team is hitting its peak after a season filled with close calls and nail-biters. 

“It’s fun building the chemistry of a team,” Kelce said. “I can look back on a lot of the teams that we had success on and those were the most fun teams to be on. You could feel it in the building. Right now, it’s just such a blast coming in and going to work with the guys that we have. It’s more unique and more different than any year I’ve ever been a part of because of the way we’ve won and how we’ve had to keep focusing on getting better.”

He continued, “The chemistry is at an all-time high right now and I’m excited that we’ve found a way to get the No. 1 seed and we’re going into the playoffs playing our best football.”

The Chiefs will close out the regular season on Sunday, January 5, against the Denver Broncos. Given their first-round bye, Kansas City will open their playoff quest for a third-consecutive Super Bowl title in the NFL Divisional Round, which kicks off January 18. 

Sophie Hediger, an Olympic snowboarder who competed for Switzerland at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has died in an avalanche. She was 26 years old. 

Hediger’s death was confirmed by the Swiss-Ski Federation on Tuesday, December 24. 

“We are stunned and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences,” Swiss-Ski Federation CEO Walter Reusser said in a statement. “For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays. We are immeasurably sad. We will keep an honorable memory of Sophie.”

According to the Federation, Hediger was swept up in an avalanche on Monday, December 23 in the Swiss mountain resort town of Arosa. 

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Hediger grew up in Horgen, Switzerland, said the Federation, roughly 80 miles northwest of Arosa. 

“A beloved hobby, came to a tragic, sudden, far too early end,” the Federation eulogized.

In accordance with Hediger’s family and “life partner,” Swiss-Ski will not be providing any additional information about her death. 

According to French news outlet Le Parisien, Hediger was skiing with another person at the time of the avalanche. Hediger and her skiing partner — who was not named and whose status was not reported — were on a closed slope and leaving the mountain when the avalanche hit. 

Emergency services were notified, but Hediger was not located for two hours. Attempts to resuscitate Hediger on the scene were unsuccessful. 

An investigation into Hediger’s death has been launched, per the outlet.

According to Le Parisien, the risk of avalanches is currently very high in Switzerland, with heavy snowfall hitting the region over the past few days. 

Hediger competed in women’s snowboard cross and mixed team snowboard cross at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. 

During the 2023-’24 season, Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podiums. 

At the FIS Snowboard World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland in January 2024, Hediger made it to the podium for the first time. 

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“Wow! what just happened yesterday!,” she posted via Instagram. “got my first worldcup podium at home! couldn’t be happier ”

In February, she hit the podium again in Guadari, Georgia. 

“Don’t know what to say ” Hediger posted via Instagram. “third place at todays worldcup here in Gudauri .”

Hediger last posted on Instagram on December 15, when she said she was “happy about my riding and my best qualification I’ve ever had.”

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk and his wife, Ozzy Özkan Kirk, have an extra reason to be merry this holiday season.

The NFL star, 28, and Ozzy, 29, announced they are expecting their first baby. 

“This Christmas is bringing us the best gift we could have ever received,” the couple shared via Instagram on Monday, December 23. “a little Kirk on the way .”

Christian and Ozzy showed off a festive photo shoot in front of their Christmas tree, which included pictures of their ultrasound and their two French bulldogs. 

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The announcement brought a bevy of congratulatory messages from their Jaguars family. 

“EEEPP!!!! I’m so excited for you guys I can’t wait to meet baby Kirk!” wrote Marissa Lawrence, wife of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. In June, Marissa announced she and Trevor are also expecting their first baby. 

Trevor commented, “Big time!!! Stoked for y’all. #DadLife.”

Jaguars safety Andre Cisco wrote, “Congrats bro, send me the registry asap.” Meanwhile, Jaguars wide receiver Elijah Cooks joked, “Mom and dad finally got me a sibling .”

Well wishes for the couple also streamed in from all corners of the NFL community.

“Congratulations!!!! So happy for you guys ,” wrote Christen Harper Goff, wife of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. 

Pittsburgh Steelers back-up quarterback Kyle Allen wrote, “Best news of all time.”

Christian and Ozzy got married in April at a lavish ceremony in Christian’s hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. The big bash was attended by a host of NFL stars, including Lawrence and Christian’s former Arizona Cardinals teammates Kyler Murray and Larry Fitzgerald.

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“We love interacting with people and having a great time, so we wanted to do something that wasn’t along the lines of a traditional wedding,” Christian told Elle in August. “We wanted a party weekend with some formality to it, but mostly [we wanted] everybody to have fun and celebrate. We didn’t want our guests sitting down the whole time and dreading the ceremony.”

A few months after tying the knot, Christian celebrated Ozzy’s first birthday as a married couple.

“Screaming happy birthday to my WIFE!” Christian wrote via Instagram on July 11, alongside a series of photos, including some from their wedding. “Every day that passes I fall in love with who you are even more. Marrying my best friend is the biggest blessing I could’ve ever received. I can’t wait to celebrate you until the end of time. The world is a better place with you in it așkim here’s to your best year yet.. I love you .”

Ozzy commented, “I love you soo much .”

Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, had an unfortunate flip-flop fiasco that her daughter, Gracie Hunt, couldn’t help but turn into a little pre-holiday mischief. 

Gracie, 25, posted a video via Instagram Story on Monday, December 23, of her mother, 53, attempting to walk to her car with a busted slip-on sandal. 

“The walk of shame @taviahunt ,” Gracie captioned the video. 

The Hunts were enjoying some mother-daughter time before the Chiefs head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers on Christmas Day. 

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Tavia, Gracie and the extended Hunt family are regular presences at all Chiefs games, both at home and on the road. 

The whole crew attended the Saturday, December 21, game between the Chiefs and the Houston Texans at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. 

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is cheering loud at Arrowhead for all to hear! #ChiefsKingdom #Christmas #MerryChristmas,” Gracie captioned a series of photos from the game posted via Instagram on Sunday, December 22. 

Gracie attended the game with her boyfriend, Cody Keith. The Chiefs heiress and Keith, a 33-year-old former quarterback at East Carolina University, made their relationship Instagram official in September. Since then, Keith has been a regular on the sidelines at Chiefs games with the entire Hunt family. 

Tavia also shared a carousel of photos from the pre-Christmas game against the Texans. 

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays! ,” Tavia wrote via Instagram on Sunday. “Thankful for a beautiful gameday at Arrowhead!”

The post included a picture with Gracie, husband Clark, 59, and their younger daughter, Ava. In addition to Ava, 19, a cheerleader at Southern Methodist University, Tavia and Clark also share son Knobel, 22. 

Tavia’s post also included a picture with actor Dennis Quaid and his wife, Laura Savoie, who were in attendance at the game in Kansas City. 

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Last month, Tavia had another star encounter when she attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Toronto. Swift, 34, of course, is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. 

Tavia shared a picture from the VIP section of the November concert hanging out with Swift’s parents, Scott and Andrea. 

“A huge thank you to the Swift family for an unforgettable time at the Eras Tour in Toronto!,” Tavia wrote. “Your kindness and hospitality are truly unmatched. It’s hard to believe, but this show just keeps getting better and better. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? There are only six shows left! And if you can’t make it, don’t miss the critically acclaimed, record-breaking Eras Tour movie.”

Tavia attended the concert with Tammy Reid, the wife of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. 

The Chiefs hit the field for a Christmas Day showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, December 25, which will stream live on Netflix at 1 p.m. ET. 

Jason Kelce sleighed the holiday season during a festive edition of ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. 

Kelce, 37, dressed up as Santa Claus for the Monday, December 23 broadcast before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers at Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Lambeau Field.

The show opened with Kelce, dressed as Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, singing an improvised version of “Silent Night” that gave a shoutout to one of his Monday Night Countdown cohosts.

“Marcus Spears, a.k. a. Swagoo / We will see you soon,” Kelce sang. “Football is awwwww-some.”

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Inside Lambeau Field, Kelce was then seen sitting at the Monday Night Countdown analyst desk still dressed as Santa.

Monday Night Countdown host Scott Van Pelt first teased Kelce’s jolly appearance on Monday afternoon. 

“Coming up on MNCD….,” Van Pelt, 58, shared via X, alongside a picture of Kelce as Santa and Van Pelt dressed up as Buddy the Elf, Will Ferrell’s character from Elf. 

The first thing many of Van Pelt’s followers noticed was Kelce’s significant weight loss, which made for a very slimmed-down Santa. 

“Kelce looking so thin!!” one person wrote via X. “Definitely my favorite Santa.” Another said, “Omg Kelce is skinny Santa .”

On the Thursday, November 19 bonus episode of Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, Kelce revealed how he found out the truth about Santa Claus while growing up in Ohio.

“Somebody told me, and I don’t remember how old I was,” he recalled. “I was in elementary school. But I remember coming home and asking mom and dad and being sat down and them explaining to me, ‘Unfortunately, it’s not real. But we need you to not tell Travis.’”

Kelce cohosts the popular podcast with his younger brother, Travis Kelce, who credited Jason for not spilling the beans.

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“Well, Jason didn’t tell me,” Travis, 35, said. “I figured it out on my own when every single present had mom’s handwriting on it.”

Jason laughed as Travis remembered how their mother, Donna Kelce, inadvertently let the cat out of the bag.

“I was like, ‘This is how mom spells all of our names,’” Travis said. “I was just like, ‘What the f—? Where’s the one that’s from Santa and not mom? Santa and mom have the same handwriting, that’s crazy.’”

The game between the Saints and Packers marks the final Monday Night Countdown broadcast before Christmas. The crew returns to the air on Monday, December 30, when the Detroit Lions travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers. 

According to Claire Kittle, the wife of San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle, there’s still reason for optimism in the midst of a hugely disappointing season for the franchise. 

The 49ers officially saw their playoff chances evaporate on Sunday, December 22, one season removed from winning the NFC and taking the Kansas City Chiefs to overtime in February’s Super Bowl LVIII. 

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Wednesday, December 18, just days before the 49ers’ playoff aspirations had totally expired, Claire, 30, gushed about the camaraderie inside the San Francisco locker room. 

“We have such a great group of guys and they all really love each other and hang out outside of football,” said Claire, who spoke to Us while promoting the Kittles’ collaboration with Zenni Optical. “They just enjoy spending time with each other and keeping that positive light.”

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Claire added, “They genuinely enjoy one another. That’s always good because that is definitely not the case in every locker room.”

Still, Claire couldn’t help but acknowledge the elephant in the room: the team’s losing record. 

“They’re competitors, they’re professional athletes. They want to win and want to be successful,” Claire said. “So yeah, of course there’s some level of disappointment. But you just take it as a learning experience and you try to really capitalize on the moments that you have left, because each year is so vastly different.”

She continued, “Teams change, you know? You don’t know if you’re going to play with your friends again or if you’re even going to be on the same team. As far as George, he really tries to focus on that and make it a good experience for everybody.”

The 49ers were officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams, both ahead of them in the NFC standings, won their respective games on Sunday. The Niners would then lose to the Miami Dolphins 29-17 on Sunday afternoon. 

San Francisco has two games remaining on their schedule: Monday, December 30 at home against the Detroit Lions and Sunday, January 5 at the Arizona Cardinals. 

While the football season hasn’t exactly gone as planned, Claire thanked the scheduling gods for allowing the couple — who got married in April 2019 — to spend the holiday season at home. 

“We were just talking about it yesterday looking at our schedule and we were like, ‘I don’t know that we have ever had a Christmas Day just the two of us,’” Claire told Us. “We are looking forward to it.”

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While the couple gets a cozy Christmas together, Claire said there will be plenty of family time “the weekend after” at the couple’s home in California. 

It’s an extra special holiday season for the Kittles, who have teamed up with eyewear line Zenni Optical to unveil their latest line of 30 fresh styles for both men and women. 

“They’re just really great,” Claire said of the brand. “They give back to the community in the Bay Area. They do a lot of workshops in the area with the Niners that we get to be a part of. George and I have our hands in the entire design process. We pick and choose what we like, and send them our own inspirations. It’s been really fun for George and I to get to do that together.”

For more on the Kittles’ line with Zenni, which starts at just $35.95, visit the brand’s website. 

Jordon Hudson shared a series of photos from a recent date night with boyfriend Bill Belichick, including one poorly-timed selfie of the new University of North Carolina head coach. 

Hudson, 24, posted a carousel of photos via Instagram on Sunday, December 22 from New York City’s American Museum of Natural History’s annual Museum Gala earlier this month, which marked the red carpet debut for the couple for the former collegiate cheerleader and Belichick, 72. 

In a selfie taken by Hudson, Belichick was caught with his eyes closed while leaning his forehead into Hudson. 

While the photo itself might not have been picture perfect, the rest of the event — which Hudson called “more than just an incredible Night at the Museum” — certainly was. 

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“The evening was saturated with all of my favourite things: friendship, education, philanthropy, glamour, beet salad, Billy, dance-worthy music, ornithological & oceanic exhibits,” Hudson wrote. “We created so many great memories together while supporting a great cause; my heart is filled to the brim!!!”

As the daughter of a former fisherman and a self-described “philosopher” and “natural heritage activist,” Hudson gushed about the work of the Museum, which opened in 1871. 

“This organization is committed to preserving history, driving contemporary research, expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and providing accessible education to all ages,” Hudson wrote. “The wide-spread importance and applicability of natural history education is far more relevant than many people understand; it reinforces a sense of biocentrism, promotes better policy creation, preserves culture and heritage, and teaches us about the world we interact with on a daily basis.”

Hudson and Belichick made their relationship official in October 2024 when the former collegiate cheerleader first posted photos of the pair via Instagram. The duo initially met while sitting next to each other on a plane in 2021, while Hudson was still in college.

Belichick signed a five-year, $50 million deal to be the new head football coach at the University of North Carolina on December 11. 

Hudson was front and center at his introductory press conference held on the school’s Chapel Hill campus, and hinted she planned on making the move with Belichick. 

Bill Belichick's Ex Posts Cryptic Message on Day of North Carolina Hire

“We are onto Chapel Hill!!!” Hudson posted via her Instagram Story alongside the university’s announcement of Belichick’s hire. 

The decision of Belichick to move to college football sent shockwaves through the sports world. He previously won six Super Bowls as head coach of the NFL’s New England Patriots during a 24-year tenure with the franchise, before they decided to part ways in January 2024. 

In a statement after his hiring was announced, Belichick said his family’s history played a role in his decision. Belichick’s father, Steve, was an assistant coach at North Carolina from 1953 to 1955.

“I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill,” Belichick said in a statement. “I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.”

Penn State women’s volleyball head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley made history on Sunday night, three months after being diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.

Schumacher-Cawley, 44, became the first woman head coach to win the national championship since the NCAA tournament began in 1981, when her Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the University of Louisville Cardinals on Sunday, December 22. 

“There have been so many that have been before me that have paved the way for me,” Schumacher-Cawley told ESPN after the win, Penn State’s eighth national championship in history. “I’m so grateful and hopefully there will be more in the future that want to coach and be a part of it.”

After leaving the court, Schumacher-Cawley gushed about the support she has been shown by her Penn State family in the midst of her cancer battle. 

Stars Who Beat Breast Cancer: Linda Evangelista, Cynthia Nixon and More

“I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by so many great people from this team to the staff I have,” Schumacher-Cawley told reporters. “I’m just really lucky to have great people around me that go above and beyond.”

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Schumacher-Cawley also gave a nod to younger cancer patients, who she routinely crosses paths with on her own journey. 

“I am inspired by the young kids that are sick,” she added. “I’m doing treatment at UPenn and every time I walk into the hospital, I walk right past the children’s hospital. Sure, if I can be an inspiration to someone. then I take that. But I feel good and I’m lucky to have the people around me. I think that’s why we’re successful.”

Schumacher-Cawley, a former volleyball player at Penn State who took over as head coach in January 2022, announced she had been diagnosed with cancer in October. 

Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman’s Family Guide: Wife Joanna and 6 Kids

“This news has been a lot to process, and as you can imagine, it has brought a range of emotions,” she shared via Instagram. “But I’m approaching this with strength, determination, and an unwavering sense of hope. We will draw inspiration from the many people in our lives that have battled cancer and have emerged victorious.”

She added, “I know this journey will have its challenges, but I also know that with the care and strength of those around me, I am ready to meet it head-on. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the women and men who have gone through this before me. The strength, courage, and determination you’ve shown have not only been inspiring, but you have also helped advance the incredible progress we see in medicine today. Your journeys have paved the way for better treatments and outcomes, and I’m deeply grateful for that.”

Schumacher-Cawley only missed a few practices while jugging her diagnosis and her on-court responsibilities — which didn’t go unnoticed by her players. 

“Even if she’s not feeling well, you would literally never be able to tell,” outside hitter Jess Mruzik told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a story published Thursday, December 19. “She’s always herself and she’s always just fun.”

With controversy surrounding their relationship continuing to build, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, have both excused themselves from the narrative. 

Hunter, 21, a two-way star for the University of Colorado, and Lenee, 23, both deactivated their Instagram and TikTok accounts over the weekend. The Twitch channel belonging to Hunter, where he routinely live streams, is still active.

The pair made the decision to cut the cord on social media in the face of growing debate about their pending marriage. 

Conversation shifted into overdrive at the Heisman Trophy ceremony on December 14 — where Hunter was recognized as the best player in college football — when viewers at home criticized Lenee for not standing up when Hunter’s name was called. 

Heisman Winner Travis Hunter and Fiancee Leanna’s Relationship Timeline

Videos from Heisman weekend also circulated showing Lenee allegedly getting upset at Hunter, with fans believing it was over him not paying enough attention to her at an Adidas pop-up shop. 

On Monday, December 16, Lenee took to her now-deactivated TikTok account to address the multiple controversies. 

“The things that I see people make up is truly crazy, because it’s not what happened,” Lenee said in the video. “I just think people are finding every single little thing and trying to make it something it’s not. Bird brain individuals are just accepting what they see online.”

Lenee attempted to explain her behavior at the Heisman ceremony, simply stating that she wasn’t quite sure how to act appropriately. 

“This is making me so mad because anyone who knows me knows I support Travis in every win, everything he does,” Lenee said. “Because I truly, truly love that man. He is perfect in my eyes.”

She continued, “When his name was called, if you watch the video, you can see me [start to stand], but his mom didn’t get up. So I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I don’t get up. Maybe I just sit here with her.’ So I sat there.”

Lenee also denied that she and Hunter had any sort of heated discussion at the pop-up shop. 

Elsewhere in the video, Lenee pushed back against the claim that Hunter was in a relationship when the two started dating. 

“I don’t do home-wrecking,” she said. “I’m not a side piece. I don’t stand for any of those things. I support women. I would never do that to another woman because I would never want it done to me.”

In fact, Lenee revealed she actually let Hunter’s initial correspondence with her sit unanswered for months because of his relationship status at the time. 

“Travis, when he first ever DM’d me — when we first met, I said I left him in my DMs for two months and people said, ‘Oh, she left him in DMs until she figured out who he was.’ That is not true at all,” Lenee said. “The real reason Travis sat in my DMs for two months is because he DM’d me when he had a girlfriend.”

Lenee continued, “I instantly knew he had a partner. So, I exited the message and he sat there until he was single.”

In the seven-minute TikTok video, Lenee also turned her attention to a previous comment she made about Hunter not being her “type.”

“I did not mean attractiveness,” Lenee said in the TikTok video. “I don’t have a physical type, period. No two men that I’ve previously dated look the same. My first one was a white cowboy. Second one was a Mexican soccer player. And then I dated a Black man who’s a SoundCloud rapper.”

Lenee continued, “I have never dated the same type physically. I don’t care about what people look like or what they can give me. I date people for who they are as a person, how they honor God and how they treat the people around them.”

Hunter, who is widely expected to be one of the top 5 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Lenee made their relationship Instagram official in February 2022 and got engaged two years later. 

A Guide to the Wives and Girlfriends of 2024 NFL Quarterbacks

After Heisman weekend, Hunter took to Twitch and revealed that Lenee had cried herself to sleep following the backlash. 

“Y’all hate on me and then y’all go and hate on my girl,” Hunter said on December 15. “Bro, I feel the same thing that she feels. We’re inseparable, bro. We’re with each other. If she’s hurting, of course I’m going to be hurting. If I’m hurting, of course she’s going to be hurting.”

The couple received the support of Colorado quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, who criticized other athletes and celebrities for taking about Hunter in public. 

“All y’all athletes, entertainers, artist etc if y’all genuine trying to holla at trav y’all know how to get  in touch with him or someone around,” Sanders, 22, wrote via X on Sunday, December 22. “At this point y’all just posting for the algorithm trying to look cool.”

Nearly 15 years after their scandalous divorce made headlines, Tiger Woods and his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, reunited on the golf course. 

Woods, 48, and his 15-year-old son, Charlie Woods — who he shares with Nordegren, 44 — played side-by-side in the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida over the weekend. 

After walking off the 18th green on Sunday, December 22, Nordegren was there waiting for her ex-husband and son. 

In a video captured by Golf on CBS, Nordegren hugged Tiger before turning her attention to Charlie and the couple’s 17-year-old daughter, Sam, who acted as Tiger and Charlie’s caddy for the weekend. 

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: How They Got Over Scandal to Coparent

Tiger and Nordegren finalized their divorce in August 2010 after getting married in October 2004. The couple’s relationship unraveled after it was revealed Tiger had been carrying on multiple affairs during their marriage. 

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In November 2009, Elin infamously chased Tiger out of the family’s home with a golf club after she found out about her husband’s infidelity. Tiger crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant in front of the house, which would become the catalyst for the couple’s relationship drama becoming public fodder for months. 

Nordegren has since moved on with former NFL player Jordan Cameron, who she has been dating since 2017. The couple share three children together — son Arthur, 5, and daughters Zeta, 2 and Freya, who was born in 2024. Cameron is also the father of a son from a previous relationship. 

Tiger and Charlie, a rising golf star in his own right, lost a sudden-death playoff to two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer and his son, Jason Langer, for the PNC Championship title on Sunday. The tournament is an annual 36-hold exhibition that features familial pairings, usually fathers and sons. 

While Tiger and Charlie might not have emerged victorious, the weekend was still a momentous one for the duo. On Sunday, Charlie hit his first-ever hole-in-one with his Dad there to bear witness. 

Tiger Woods Explains Why Golf Has 'Negative Connotation' for Daughter Sam

“It’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” Charlie told NBC Sports after the tournament. “On top of that, made an ace. I don’t think I can top that. It was awesome.”

Tiger was asked what it was like to watch Charlie sink the hole-in-one. 

“It’s one of the highlights that we’ve ever had,” Tiger gushed. “We were talking on the hole previous, he made his first eagle. And now he just made his first hole-in-one. It was a magical two hole stretch. I’m just so happy for him and for the enjoyment that we had as a family.”

Tiger added, “It was a lot of fun, As Charlie said, it was back-and-forth. No one made a mistake today. We had to earn it, and that was the joy of it.”

University of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers and his girlfriend, Mady Barnes, have already survived one of a relationship’s toughest tests: going to rival colleges. 

Barnes, 21, is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma while her boyfriend, Ewers, 21, is one of the most recognizable faces in college football at Texas. 

Despite the distance and deep-seeded rivalry between their two schools, Barnes and Ewers have managed to make it work since going public with their relationship in February 2023. 

Both juniors at their respective universities, Barnes and Ewers have big decisions ahead of them — including whether or not Ewers will forego his senior season and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, or potentially transfer to another school with quarterback phenom Arch Manning waiting in the wings at Texas. 

Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman’s Family Guide: Wife Joanna and 6 Kids

Until then, keep reading for a full timeline of Ewers and Barnes’ relationship.

February 2023

Barnes posted the first picture of the couple via Instagram on a trip to see Ewers in Austin, Texas. 

“Not too bad here,” Barnes captioned a trio of photos. 

With Ewers donning a cowboy hat and Barnes rocking some white cowboy boots, the couple spent time with Ewers’ teammate Gunnar Helm.

May 2023

Ewers posted a series of photos, including one oceanside with Barnes in Delray Beach, Florida. 

“This is how we do it,” Ewers captioned the pictures. 

Barnes also posted a set of images from the trip, including one of the couple cozied up in front of a hotel mirror. 

September 2023

Barnes was on hand for the Texas Longhorns’ season opener against Rice University. 

She posted a picture hugging Ewers as he made his way inside the stadium for the game. 

March 2024

The couple took another sunny vacation together, this one to Turks and Caicos. 

Barnes shared a carousel of photos from the trip, which included one of her perched on Ewers shoulders while the pair posed on the beach. 

May 2024

Ewers and Barnes took the Big Apple in force. 

“Good views & even better food!!,” Barnes captioned a series of photos from New York City via Instagram. 

May 2024

Barnes made another trip to Austin to see Ewers. 

“Atx for the weekend,” she captioned a photo via Instagram of the couple posing with two friends. 

October 2024

In the midst of the football season, Barnes visited Ewers at practice. 

“Keep the weekends coming!!,” Barnes captioned a series of photos, including one from the Texas practice facility. 

The pictures were posted on October 13, the day after Ewers and the Longhorns defeated Barnes’ Oklahoma Sooners 34-3 in the game known as the Red River Rivalry. 

In another photo, a smiling Barnes was seen posing with Ewers outside the Cotton Bowl in Dallas after the big win. 

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has quite the impressive squad off the field, too. 

Freeman, 38, who became the head football coach at Notre Dame in December 2021, married his wife, Joanna Freeman, in 2010. The couple met during their time at The Ohio State University, where Marcus was a star linebacker. 

Joanna, a former news reporter at WBNS-Channel 10 in Columbus, is now a full-time mother to the couple’s six children: son Vinny, 17, daughter Siena, 12, son Gino, 11, son Nico, 9, daughter Capri, 7, and son Rocco, 6.

Marcus also has a daughter named Bria, 18, from a previous relationship. 

Hottest NFL Dads: Football Players Past and Present With Their Kids

At Marcus’ introductory press conference in South Bend in 2021, Joanna and all six kids were front and center for the festivities. Since then, Marcus has routinely shared family highlights and milestones for Irish faithful on social media. 

For more on the Freeman family, keep reading. 

Marcus Freeman’s wife, Joanna

Joanna has been by Marcus’ side through the ups and downs of his playing and coaching career — but she admitted it hasn’t been easy. 

“We don’t have a super romantic love story,” Joanna told Yahoo Sports in 2021. “We had a lot of breakups and make-ups. We fell hard. We fell fast. We were really young when we met, and in a lot of ways, we really grew and matured into adults together.”

On Mother’s Day in 2024, Marcus paid tribute to Joanna — and his own mother, Chong — and thanked them for all they’ve done for him. 

“I’m so blessed to have these two amazing women in my life,” Marcus shared via Instagram. “They have impacted our family in so many ways with their selflessness and unconditional love.

Marcus Freeman’s son, Vinny

Vinny, 17, is busy following in his father’s athletic footsteps. 

A junior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, plays safety for the school’s football team. 

Vinny is also an accomplished wrestler, making an official visit to Cornell University in August 2024. 

Patrick Mahomes’ Family Guide: Meet His Parents, Siblings and Kids

“They say in order to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Vinny told the South Bend Tribune in February 2024. “I want to be the best.”

As a sophomore, Vinny finished with a 34-4 record. 

Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Siena

Siena, 12, became a beloved part of the Cincinnati Bearcats football family when Marcus was the school’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. 

“Wild Card Sunday with the Fam!,” Marcus shared via Instagram in January. In the accompanying photo, Siena could be seen posing with members of the football team while holding her sister, Capri. 

Marcus Freeman’s son, Gino

Marcus also passed down his love of football to his son, Gino, 11. 

“It’s officially football season for the Freeman’s,” Marcus posted via Instagram in July 2018, showing Gino and brother Vinny wearing football helmets and posing with their father.

Gino had some solo time with his Dad in May 2019, when they attended a Cincinnati Reds baseball game together. 

“Reds game with G,” Marcus wrote via Instagram. 

Marcus Freeman’s son, Nico

Nico, 9, celebrated his 4th birthday with some pizza, his siblings and a group of friends — including then Cincinnati head coach, Luke Fickell — in July 2019.

“Happy 4th birthday to our Nico!” Marcus shared via Instagram, showing off a picture of the whole crew. 

Marcus Freeman’s daughter, Capri

Capri, 4, met her smiley siblings in June 2017. “Welcome to this world and our family Capri!!” Marcus wrote via Instagram along with a photo of Capri being held by her brother Vinny and her sister, Siena, with her other brothers, Gino and Nico, sitting on the couch beaming. 

All the kids were, of course, decked out in University of Cincinnati gear. 

Marcus Freeman’s son, Rocco

Shortly after being born, Rocco, 6, celebrated the holidays with his parents and five siblings. 

“Merry Christmas from the Freeman Crew!” Marcus posted via Instagram in December 2018.

The black-and-white photo showed the entire family standing in front of a fireplace lined with stockings. 

Livvy Dunne can officially add “college graduate” to her growing list of accomplishments. 

Dunne, 22, officially graduated from Louisiana State University on Thursday, December 19. In a series of photos posted via Instagram, the gymnast and TikTok star showed off her diploma while wearing her cap and gown on the school’s campus. 

“Forever LSU,” Dunne captioned the carousel. 

Dunne graduated alongside LSU gymnast Alyona Shchennikova, who were both members of the school’s national championship winning squad in April. 

Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes' Relationship Timeline: The 2 LSU Lovebirds

The official LSU Gymnastics Instagram account congratulated the two graduates with a post on Thursday. “Happy Graduation Day to these two ,” the caption read alongside a photo of the pair. 

The big accomplishment was celebrated by some of Dunne’s famous friends, who left their enthusiastic comments on her post. 

Dunne’s fellow Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Olivia Ponton wrote, “livy !!!!! congratulations!!!” Dunne responded, “I love u liv.”

TikTok star Katie Feeney commented, “Congratulations beauty!!.” Model Grace Boor wrote, “Omg congratulations .”

In a TikTok video posted on Tuesday, Dunne hinted what comes next for the social media superstar. 

“Now time for grad school:),” she wrote in the video’s caption. 

While Dunne’s undergraduate career is in the rearview mirror, her time in Baton Rouge is not. In July, she would return for a fifth and final season with the LSU gymnastics team. 

“This past year I found a renewed love of the sport. I had trained a lot in the off season, so I felt really strong and healthy from the start and ready to contribute,” Dunne said at the time. “I really enjoyed the dynamic of the team this year and it all came together well. Winning the national championships was a great team accomplishment, but I feel like I have more to give as an individual competitor.”

She added, “I’m a completely different person than I was 4 years ago. I’ve learned how to juggle so many responsibilities, how to chase big dreams, and how to stay calm in the face of difficult challenges.”

Gymnast Livvy Dunne: What’s in My Bag?

Dunne is currently dating Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes, who was named National League Rookie of the Year in November. 

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the ESPYs in July, Dunne explained how they make their relationship work given their hectic schedules. 

“We’re always in different states,” Dunne said of Skenes, 22. “We try to see each other as much as possible, especially while it’s my offseason during the summer. When it’s his offseason, he’ll come to LSU and visit me.”

Dunne and the LSU gymnastics team begin their 2025 season on January 3. Skenes and the Pirates begin their spring training schedule on February 22 before opening the regular season on March 27. 

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff revealed he was once the target of a home break-in that sounds eerily similar to the recent robberies involving Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow. 

“I got broken into when I was a rookie,” Goff, 30, told reporters on Wednesday, December 18. “Same way. So I was on the road, broken into, stole some stuff.”

Goff’s rookie season came in 2016 after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Rams. He was traded to the Lions in 2021. 

“It wasn’t national news because I was a rookie who wasn’t playing,” Goff continued. “But I was glad it wasn’t national news because it’s violating. So ever since then, when I’m on the road, there’s people there.”

What NFL Stars Have Said About the String of Burglaries Targeting Players

Goff made his NFL debut in November 2016 after taking over for Case Keenum, who started at quarterback for the Rams first nine games of the season. 

The thieves, who were never caught, stole some electronics and shoes from Goff’s home. 

“It was weird,” he said. “They could have taken more and they didn’t. It was bizarre.”

Goff, who married wife Christen Harper Goff in June, insisted having security on the premises while he’s traveling was “kind of a no-brainer.”

“We’re on the road, we’re on TV, everyone can see where we’re at publicly, so it’s like everyone knows you’re not home,” he explained. “So once that happened, I was like, it’s not worth just trying to save money. Just do it and hire the guys and they stay there, they’re at the house and are there to guard it.”

The homes of Kelce, 35, and Burrow, 28, were both targeted while both players were away playing for their respective teams. 

Kelce’s residence in Leawood, Kansas, was robbed on October 7 while he and the Kansas City Chiefs were playing the New Orleans Saints at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. 

Did a Break-in at Joe Burrow's House Just Confirm His Model Girlfriend?

Police reported that $20,000 was taken and a rear door was broken. In November, police in Rhode Island recovered a watch belonging to Kelce taken during the burglary.

The Ohio home of Burrow was robbed on December 9 while he and the Cincinnati Bengals were in Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys. Model Olivia Ponton, who was at Burrow’s home at the time, told police the home had been “ransacked.”

In addition, the Belton, Missouri, residence of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was broken into on October 6, the day before the robbery at Kelce’s home. 

Investigations into the break-ins at the residences of Kelce, Burrow and Mahomes remain ongoing. 

Christmas came early for the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line, all thanks to quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow, 28, gifted his linemen with authentic Japanese Katana swords on Thursday, December 19. 

The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. reported each sword was unique and came with its own story. Burrow laid them all out in a room and had his linemen pick their favorite. 

“Joe does a great job at buying gifts that are extremely meaningful,” left tackle Orlando Brown told Dehner. “The fact that he bought me a sword, it’s the most ancient form of respect.”

Bengals' Joe Burrow Explains Why He Looked So Mad on Sidelines During Win

Last year, Burrow gave his entire offensive line cruise trips — but insisted he wouldn’t be joining his teammates on the open seas. 

“I don’t like boats, not a boat guy,” Burrow told reporters at the time. 

Burrow added, “You’re stuck out there. What if something happens?”

NFL quarterbacks buying their linemen lavish gifts has become the trendy norm these days, with some of Burrow’s leaguemates already coming through in the clutch this year. 

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave his linemen multiple items including silver Rolex watches, Normatec Elite compression boots, white framed sunglasses and black cowboy boots from Lucchese. All of the gifts were packed into red Yeti Tundra Haul coolers.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, meanwhile, gave all of his linemen brand-new Toyota trucks.

“Boys, I just want to say Merry Christmas [and] I got some gifts for you guys,” Purdy, 24, said in a Thursday, December 19, video shared by the team. “Sorry for the wait, but if you want to follow me outside. Let’s go.”

Once outside, the linemen were greeted by a fleet of trucks all fitted with giant red bows. 

“Let’s go, Toyota, baby,” Purdy said. “Alright, so we got five Sequoias, five Tundras. You guys can check ’em out, but these are yours, so merry Christmas. Appreciate you guys. Thanks for all you do.”

What NFL Stars Have Said About the String of Burglaries Targeting Players

As for Burrow, gifting the swords comes on the heels of a break-in at his Ohio home on December 9. 

While Burrow and the Bengals were in Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, his residence was targeted. Model Olivia Ponton, who was at Burrow’s home at the time, told authorities the place had been “ransacked.” 

Burrow addressed the break-in on December 11, saying he felt like his “privacy has been violated in more ways than one.”

The Bengals return to action on Sunday, December 22, against the Cleveland Browns.