Wayne Middaugh to Skip Jared Allen’s Squad at KIOTI GSOC Tahoe
October 24, 2025
When elite athletes unite, magic happens: NFL icon Jared Allen has recruited World Curling Hall of Famer Wayne Middaugh to lead his lineup at the KIOTI GSOC Tahoe competition.
The decorated three-time world champion will take the skip position for Team Allen at the forthcoming Grand Slam of Curling event, scheduled for November 4-9 at Tahoe Blue Event Center in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Joining Middaugh on the sheet will be two-time Olympic gold medalist John Morris and U.S. men’s titleholder Jason Smith.
As one of the Original 18 skips in the series, Middaugh brings an impressive résumé featuring 15 Grand Slam victories, including eight as skip. The Victoria Harbour, Ontario native is eager to return to competitive action in this crucial position—and the competitive banter has already started flying.
“Being part of the original lineup of teams, I’m thrilled (though admittedly anxious since I haven’t competed in any tournament since 2021) to be playing 25 years after that inaugural Slam alongside NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen and the sport’s most decorated athlete John Morris,” Middaugh shared Thursday. “The Slams have consistently pushed boundaries and driven innovation in curling, and with The Curling Group now involved, everything’s accelerated dramatically with brilliant concepts to grow the fan base and enhance both the viewing experience and player enjoyment.
“I’m counting down the days until we hit the ice and get Jared working that broom and delivering stones that’ll have Benny Heebz taking notes.”
Morris, an 11-time Grand Slam champion, is equally enthusiastic about his first partnership with Middaugh.
“I’ve always considered Wayne among the most formidable competitors in our sport,” said Morris, who claimed Olympic gold representing Canada in 2010 men’s curling and 2018 mixed doubles. “We’ve had some intense matchups over the years, so it’s refreshing to finally be teammates.
“Given how the game has progressed recently, particularly regarding sweeping techniques, we’ll definitely be playing catch-up. But I’ve never shied away from a tough challenge, and this is the ultimate test.”
Allen’s curling journey began as a wager but evolved into genuine passion. The 12-season NFL veteran, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, has participated in numerous USA Curling National Championships and notched victories against elite squads from the United States, Canada, and Europe throughout his curling career.
Team Allen will face off against the world’s premier teams at KIOTI GSOC Tahoe—marking the first-ever Grand Slam of Curling event staged outside Canadian borders.
