Casey Dawson’s Olympic Games Take a Funny Turn: A Fantasy Football Penalty

While Americans in Italy cheered on the Super Bowl in traditional fashion – packed into cozy pubs at midnight – Team USA speed skater Casey Dawson had a slightly more…unique experience. Dawson is currently competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, but he’s also serving a rather unusual penalty stemming from a less athletic pursuit: fantasy football.

From Fantasy Football Failure to Olympic Footwear

Dawson finished dead last in his fantasy football league, and the consequences are being felt all the way in Italy. His punishment? Carrying a phone case adorned with a comically large, fake foot, and a small, “flashy” backpack throughout the duration of the speed skating season. As he told NBC Sports, “The phone case is pretty ridiculous. It’s huge, clunky.”

The story quickly gained traction online, with a photo of Dawson and his unusual accessory circulating widely. See the photo here.

A League of Speed Skaters and Fantasy Rivals

Dawson isn’t alone in his fantasy football woes. He’s part of a league with fellow U.S. team pursuit members Emery Lehman and Ethan Cepuran, along with other speed skating colleagues. According to NBC Olympics, the league’s rule dictates that the last-place finisher must endure the punishment for the entire season. Dawson’s unfortunate finish came during the 2024 NFL season, as reported by The Associated Press.

Taking it in Stride

Despite the playful embarrassment, Dawson is handling the situation with good humor. “Whenever I have [the backpack] at the side of the ice, I’ll look at it and it gives me a little smile every time,” he shared with the International Skating Union. It seems the punishment is providing a lighthearted boost during the intense competition.

A Decorated Skater

Beyond the fantasy football saga, Casey Dawson is a highly accomplished athlete. The 25-year-old is a two-time Olympian and a bronze medalist from the 2022 Beijing Games (men’s pursuit team). He competed in the men’s 5000m on Sunday, finishing eighth, and is also scheduled to race in the men’s 1500m, 10000m, and team pursuit. Dawson, Lehman, and Cepuran currently hold the world record in the team pursuit, proving their dedication and skill on the ice.

Catch the Olympic Action

Don’t miss the excitement! Watch all the action from the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games live on NBC and Peacock.