NFL star Vernon Davis extends his relationship with U.S. Olympic curling teams

For Vernon Davis, star tight end with the San Francisco 49ers, this love affair with the sport of curling is more than fleeting.

Honourary captain for the American men's curling team at the 2010 Games in Vancouver, Davis has accepted the same position for next years winter games in Sochi, Russia.

This is a boon for the sport as Davis continues to be an emphatic booster for the game he first took up as a curiosity nearly four years ago. It doesn't seem to be a lark for him as he continues to show respect for the sport and the people who play it.

Davis revealed his renewed association with the U.S. Olympic teams to Kelly Whiteside of USA Today, making sure to emphasize that his appreciation of the game is more than promotional.

Curling is similar to football in that regard so maybe it shouldn't be so surprising that a gridiron star could make the connection.

However, as pointed out in the USA Today article, there aren't too many NFL players like Davis who can boast they have their own curling broom. Well, maybe transplanted Canadians like Seahawks' punter Jon Ryan (from Regina), Colts receiver Austin Collie (Hamilton) or Bears' defensive end Israel Idonije (born in Nigeria but raised in Brandon) just might.

Davis continues to give curling unwavering support and his insistence that it is a sport that deserves respect can only be helpful in the long run. As Rick Patzke, CEO for USA Curling notes, diversity is a key to growing the game in the future.

"It's changed where there's a lot more diversity age-wise and gender-wise. Getting curling accessible to minority populations is key not only for continued growth and diversity but also for our competitiveness," he told USA Today.

Davis agreed. "That's the goal - to bring a different audience."

It's a hoot for curling fans to see their game given this kind of treatment by a spokesperson of Davis' status. There is, by the way, a can't-miss way to ensure Davis' passion is stoked to an even brighter flame. Memo to USA Curling and The Canadian Curling Association:

Get Vernon Davis to Edmonton next week.

If he loves the sport now, imagine how his mind would be blown if he were to take in what many believe will be the best Brier ever, at Rexall Place. Sit him in the stands, have him toss stones with Kevin Martin, give him a Team Stoughton beer cozy, show him the wonders of The Brier Patch.

If he takes all that in, it's possible Vernon Davis might just quit his day job and hit the circuit full time.