When Casey Kaufhold stepped onto the Olympic stage in Paris, she carried more than just her bow and arrows. The 20-year-old archer brought with her the hopes of a nation and the unexpected support of an NFL power couple. Kaufhold’s journey from starstruck fan to bronze medalist is a tale of grit, talent, and a touch of star-powered inspiration.

Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, lit up social media with her heartfelt message for Kaufhold. “Had the honour of meeting Casey at the Eiffel Tower last week…so we made sure to tune in from home. Way to go Casey!” Kylie’s Instagram story beamed. This digital high-five came on the heels of Kaufhold’s chance encounter with Jason Kelce at a Parisian restaurant, where she nervously held up a sign on her phone to catch the NFL star’s attention.

Her chance encounter with Jason Kelce left a lasting impression. “He was so cute. He was like sitting with his wife having dinner. They were both dressed up. He had like a little beret on,” Kaufhold recounted in a video snippet shared by Rob Kuestner of NBC Philadelphia.

Meanwhile Kaufhold’s Olympic journey was a rollercoaster of emotions. Entering the Games as the world’s top-ranked archer, she faced an unexpected setback in the individual event. But like a true champion, she didn’t let disappointment dim her competitive fire. “When I walked off the stage yesterday feeling like I didn’t perform to my fullest potential, I felt that there was still a place for me to do it here,” Kaufhold shared to AP News, her words echoing the resilience that defines Olympic athletes.

Teaming up with veteran Brady Ellison, Kaufhold found her rhythm in the mixed team event. The duo’s synergy was palpable as they outshot India 6-2 to claim bronze. Kaufhold’s performance was a masterclass in mental toughness, with Ellison serving as her anchor. “He is my rock,” Kaufhold gushed about her partner. “Any nerves I had, he talked me through every single moment. I couldn’t ask for a better mixed team partner.”

This bronze wasn’t just any medal – it marked a historic moment for American archery. Kaufhold became the first U.S. woman to stand on the Olympic archery podium since the team gold in 1988. For Ellison, it was a record-setting fourth Olympic medal, cementing his status as America’s most decorated archer.

Kelce family is the Olympic Village’s most valuable fans

While Kaufhold was hitting bullseyes, Jason and Kylie Kelce were winning hearts across the Olympic Village. The couple’s enthusiastic support for Team USA turned them into unofficial mascots of the Games. From field hockey to rugby, the Kelces brought their A-game to the stands.

At the U.S. women’s field hockey match against Argentina, Jason sported a blue beret that screamed “I’m here for the full Parisian experience.” When asked about his headwear, Jason quipped, “A souvenir shop,” showcasing the down-to-earth humor that’s made him a fan favorite. But it was Jason’s impromptu audition for “super fan” of the U.S. women’s rugby team that truly went viral.

In a TikTok video that had Olympics fans cheering, Jason declared, “I am officially a fan. Women’s rugby Olympics,” much to the delight of player Ilona Maher and her teammates. Kylie, a former field hockey player turned high school coach, brought her own passion to the Olympic experience. “I would say I’ve always wanted to come and see [an] Olympic games,” she shared to US Magazine, her excitement palpable.

Her background in sports added depth to their Olympic adventure, as she cheered on athletes with the insight of someone who’s been in their shoes. The Kelces’ Olympic journey wasn’t all glamour, though. Kylie captured a hilarious video of an exhausted Jason after a day of Olympic excitement. The sight of the former NFL star collapsed in his seat, surrounded by souvenir cups and sports balls, was a reminder that even super fans need a timeout sometimes.

As the Paris Olympics continue, the stories of athletes like Casey Kaufhold and super fans like the Kelces remind us why we love the Games. It’s not just about medals and records – it’s about the human moments of triumph, support, and pure joy that unite us all.