NFL Stars Propel Rock League’s Mission to Popularize Curling
In Nashville, Tennessee, a new movement is underway to elevate the sport of curling, spearheaded by several NFL stars. George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Jared Allen are enthusiastic proponents of curling, practicing at a facility known as Tee Line. Their initiative is part of a broader mission to popularize curling and enhance its image as a professional sport.
NFL Stars Champion Curling’s Modernization
The trio of NFL players is working with Nic Sulsky, CEO of The Curling Group (TCG), to create a professional league called “Rock League.” This league is designed to attract a younger and diverse audience and is set to launch in April 2026. Following the Winter Olympics, it aims to expand its format significantly by 2028.
Forerunners of a New Era in Curling
- Jared Allen: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Allen’s journey into curling began with a bet in 2018.
- George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson: Both tight ends have embraced curling as a new sport to master.
- Nic Sulsky: He aims to remake the sport’s image and increase its global reach.
Rock League will feature six global teams, balanced by gender, playing in a festival-like environment with music and vibrant crowds, moving away from traditional curling’s quiet and reserved atmosphere. Key figures in the league include renowned curlers like Olympic medalist Brad Jacobs from Canada and current mixed-doubles competitors like Korey Dropkin from Team USA.
Impact of Celebrity on Curling’s Growth
While curling experiences sporadic popularity during the Winter Olympics in the U.S., the NFL stars involved believe they can turn it into a thriving professional sport. They are determined to capitalize on the game’s potential by introducing innovative elements to the sport’s presentation.
- Prize Pool: Rock League will open with a prize pool of $250,000.
- Event Format: The 2026 launch event will feature teams competing in a more engaging setup.
According to Sulsky, the objective is not just to increase viewership but also to create a connection between fans and athletes. Traditional team names in curling, often named after the skip, will be replaced with franchises that resonate more with fans. This approach aims to market curlers as stars and foster a community around the sport.
Preparing for a Bright Future
The inaugural Rock League season will be preceded by TCG’s other projects, including the Grand Slam of Curling. Allen emphasizes the importance of leveraging recent Olympic successes to attract viewers and generate enthusiasm for curling.
With dedicated athletes and a fresh approach to fan engagement, there is hope that Rock League can transform curling from a niche sport into a widely celebrated entertainment spectacle, ultimately making it a staple in the sports landscape of North America and beyond.
