A trip to the men's hockey semi-finals is currently on the line with Team USA taking on Team Sweden. There's no shortage of support for the Stars & Stripes here, but over in Italy, two NFL superstars have gone the extra mile.
Video from the ice hockey arena in Milan-Cortina shows that San Francisco 49ers stars George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey are in attendance.
"George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey in the house supporting USA men's hockey," ESPN shared during the game.
Supporting Team USA - and a friend
Some fans theorized that the two 49ers stars are just there for promotional reasons while others suggested that they're just passionate about supporting Team USA in every way, shape and form.
But the more likely reason, which more and more people are realizing, is that Kittle is friends with Team Sweden star Filip Forsberg - a close personal friend of his - and that Kittle brought McCaffrey along as his guest since they're also close friends.
"I have a feeling Kittle might be there for Filip Forsberg," one user theorized on X.
"mind you George Kittle's really close with Filip Forsberg," another noted.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
George Kittle has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL since 2018 and is coming off his seventh Pro Bowl trip in eight years.
McCaffrey just won Comeback Player of the Year honors after recording 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns while leading the league in touches.
Forsberg is in his 14th season with the Nashville Predators and holds the franchise record for points with them.
Unfortunately for Forsberg, his Swedish team currently trails Team USA 1-0 midway through the third period. He may be flying home sooner than he would've liked.