In the NFL, players known for their strength and prowess on the field also have a soft spot for their tiny canine companions. From JJ Watt to Kirk Cousins, football stars share adorable moments with their pets on social media, adding warmth to their larger-than-life personas.
Travis Kelce with his adorable pups
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08040229/intro.jpg)
Travis Kelce shares heartwarming moments with his dogs, showcasing a softer side alongside his gridiron prowess.
Kirk Cousins with his best bud
Kirk Cousins enjoys demonstrating a tender bond with his pooch on Lake Michigan.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08040324/1-9.jpg)
Source:
instagram
Leighton Vander Esch’s family
Leighton Vander Esch cherishes special moments with his pup Thor, exemplifying a close companionship beyond his football career.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08040906/2-8.jpg)
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instagram
Patrick Mahomes brought a new friend home
If the caption means what we think it does, then this cute pup was an anniversary gift.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08041149/3-9.jpg)
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instagram
Christian McCaffrey serenading his pal
McCaffrey is seen playing “Fur Elise” by Beethoven. You read that right.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08042311/4-9.jpg)
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instagram
Tyler Eifert
Eifert spends Memorial Day Weekend by the lake being nursed by his best nurses.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08042624/5-9.jpg)
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instagram
JJ Watt says two is better than one
It’s always good to be home, in the arms (and paws) of family.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08043007/6-9.jpg)
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instagram
Adam Thielen’s Christmas snowball
Honestly, the best Christmas gift is spending it with family.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08043908/7-7.jpg)
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instagram
Juju Smith-Schuster made plans
The occasion? International Dog Day. Now that’s a super sweet gesture from a tough man.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08050436/8-7.jpg)
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instagram
Kiko Alonso’s super happy pup
His pup isn’t exactly small but maybe for an athlete like him, the dog is tiny.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08050747/9-2.jpg)
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Instagram
George Kittle’s superhero
Batdog just turned one in this photo and no one knows his true identity.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08051156/10-1.jpg)
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instagram
Darius Leonard’s bodyguard
Leonard calls his partner his “baby” and we can see why.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08051845/11.jpg)
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instagram
Jameis Winston’s new training partner
A training partner Winston thanked God for.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08052109/12.jpg)
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instagram
Hunter Henry with his hiking bud
What a wonderful way to workout and enjoy nature.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08052332/13.jpg)
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instagram
Rashad Jennings needed to cuddle
After a long day of training and doing interviews, a nap with your pooch hits the spot.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08053154/14.jpg)
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instagram
Baker Mayfield’s holiday cheer
And it only took a total of 30 attempts to take a decent photo.
![](https://cdn.animalchannel.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/08053323/15.jpg)
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instagram
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