Image

“Stop the act” “He’s in a friend zone”: NFL followers react as Myles Garrett kisses GF Chloe Kim at 2026 ESPY awards purple carpet

Myles Garrett and Chloe Kim stole part of the spotlight at the 2026 ESPYS on Wednesday night after sharing a sweet moment on the red carpet.

The pair walked into the event together before Garrett kissed Kim in front of the cameras, with the clip and photos soon going viral online. The NFL’s official X account also shared the moment by posting a picture, drawing reactions from fans.

Below is a look at how fans responded on X.

“Is this ideal outside? Stop the act already,” one fan said.

Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!

“This sh*t looks cringe I’m ngl. He’s in a friend zone that he doesn’t know about,” someone said.

“She clearly doesn’t want that kiss, and he’s not even aware of that. Poor guy 😂,” one person added.

“Both trying to ruin ancient genetics smh,” one fan commented.

“I had to google her 🤷,” someone added.

Rumors of Garrett and Kim’s relationship first came to light in May 2025 when they appeared together at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Japan. According to reports, the couple was introduced by a mutual acquaintance who had connections with both athletes.

Their romance became official in November after Kim attended the Cleveland Browns‘ game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium to support Garrett.

Earlier this year, Garrett traveled to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics to support Kim, who fought through a torn labrum in her left shoulder to earn a silver medal in the women’s halfpipe competition.

Also read: Aaron Donald pairing up with Myles Garrett triggers 2x Super Bowl champ as Rams legend fuels comeback rumors

Also read: SPOTTED: Rams legend Aaron Donald works out at team facility amid comeback rumors to team up with Myles Garrett

Chloe Kim presented Myles Garrett with ESPY for best record-breaking performance

Myles Garrett was honored with the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance on Wednesday during the ceremony at New York’s Lincoln Center. Making the moment even more memorable, the award was presented by his girlfriend, Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim.

“Thank you, babe, for keeping a secret like that because you definitely knew,” Garrett said after taking the stage to accept the award. “Most of all, this is an honor, and I’ve got a lot of catching up to do with this woman behind me.”

Garrett claimed the ESPY for Best Record-Breaking Performance following his sensational 23-sack season with the Cleveland Browns in 2025. He finished ahead of Olympic champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, UCLA softball star Megan Grant, and distance runner Sabastian Sawe.

The dominant campaign also earned Garrett his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

He added another award at the ceremony by taking home the Best NFL Player award, becoming the first defensive player ever to receive that honor at the ESPYS.

Garrett’s brilliant 2025 season was his final one with the Browns before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster trade last month.