Irish golf star Shane Lowry, best known for his incredible Ryder Cup heroics, is now turning heads off the course for a different reason: his newfound passion for the NFL.
The 38-year-old golfer, who famously sank the putt that ended Team USA’s hopes of winning the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last September, recently revealed that he has been immersing himself in American football and has picked a team to support.
Lowry‘s Ryder Cup moment remains one of the highlights of his career. Representing Europe, he helped secure a dramatic 1513 victory over the United States, leaving golf fans around the world applauding his composure under pressure. While his focus remains firmly on the greens, Lowry has been embracing life beyond golf, discovering a love for NFL games and American sports culture.
Speaking with Kay Adams, Lowry admitted that he only began following the NFL seriously this year. He revealed that his allegiance lies with the Chicago Bears. The choice, he explained, was influenced by friends based in Florida who are loyal Bears supporters and encouraged him to get behind the team.
“I actually just started watching the NFL properly this year,” Lowry said. “I’m a Chicago Bears fan. I heard they’re going to be pretty good over the next few years. I’ve got two friends down in Florida who are Bears fans and they kind of bullied me into it.”
Though new to the sport, Lowry has already made some high-profile NFL connections, particularly with Super Bowl winner Jason Kelce. The pair met at a pro-am golf event in Philadelphia last year and quickly hit it off.
Their friendship became so notable that Adams playfully dubbed Lowry the “third Kelce brother,” referencing Jason and his brother Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Friendship with Jason Kelce sparks ‘third brother’ joke
Lowry spoke warmly about his time with Jason, describing him as down-to-earth and passionate about his sport, qualities Lowry feels he shares.
“We had a great time,” he said. “What a great fella he is. He’s so grounded and loves his sport, and I think I’m very similar.”
Although Lowry has yet to meet Travis Kelce, he joked that his daughter would be thrilled to meet the NFL star and his fiancée, pop superstar Taylor Swift. The light-hearted moment highlighted Lowry‘s growing enthusiasm for the league and his ease in connecting with players beyond the golf world.
Despite these new interests, Lowry remains fully dedicated to his golf career. The 2019 Open Championship winner continues to compete on the PGA Tour and remains a key figure in Europe’s Ryder Cup teams.
Yet his expanding interest in the NFL proves that even elite golfers can find new passions and form unexpected friendships.
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