Michael Irvin kissing Anthony Edwards’ cheek dominates the internet [VIDEO]
Postgame Joy or Awkward Moment? Fans Debate “The Kiss”
After the Minnesota Timberwolves’ emphatic 117–93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on May 8, 2025, it wasn’t just the scoreboard or highlight reel that had fans talking—it was Michael Irvin’s unexpected kiss to Anthony Edwards during the postgame broadcast that launched a flood of social media commentary.
Captured courtside and rapidly shared across platforms, the interaction—featuring Irvin pulling Edwards in for a brief cheek kiss—left viewers divided. Was it friendly? Awkward? Too much? As reactions poured in, Edwards’ own words brought clarity: “That’s OG man. I love him, for sure.”
The Moment: Michael Irvin Greets Anthony Edwards
Following the Wolves’ win at Target Center that tied the Western Conference semifinals series 1-1, Michael Irvin—Pro Football Hall of Famer and occasional basketball broadcast guest—was courtside. However, he was not part of the NBA on TNT postgame show. Instead, he was a fan enjoying the Wolves’ win.
During the interaction, Irvin embraced Edwards in celebration and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Edwards, still wearing his jersey and wristbands, gave a look that some interpreted as surprised—or even uncomfortable—but the full story soon unfolded.
The clip, shared widely across X (formerly Twitter), caught fire almost instantly, with posts like:
@FeelLikeDrew: “Michael Irvin snuck inna kiss for no reason at the end there and Ant wasn’t feeling it 😭😭😭”
The video gained 346K+ views within hours and became one of the most-discussed NBA moments of the night—not because of gameplay, but because of a simple gesture.
Edwards Clarifies: “That’s OG Man. I Love Him.”
While speculation brewed online, Anthony Edwards set the record straight shortly afterward in an interview on NBA on TNT.
“That’s OG, man. I love him, for sure,” he said with a smile, dismissing any tension and showing appreciation for Irvin.
The statement reframed the moment, turning what some thought was an uncomfortable encounter into a clear show of affection between two sports figures—one rising, one legendary. For fans, it was a reminder not to jump to conclusions based solely on viral clips.
Also, keep in mind how Anthony Edwards is still a rising sports star. Although he’s basketball and Michael Irvin is football, Edwards aspires to have a legacy like Irvin. With Edwards breathing new life into the Timberwolves’ franchise, they’ve amassed a large fan base. A three-time champion in Irvin is one of them.
So, having Irvin at the game is a big look for Ant-Man.
Wolves Bounce Back in Game 2
The moment took place after one of the Timberwolves’ most dominant performances of the 2025 postseason. Playing without a fully healthy Anthony Edwards—who briefly exited the first half with an ankle injury—the Wolves turned to their depth.
- Julius Randle delivered a near triple-double with 24 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker snapped a slump with 20 points off the bench.
- Edwards returned in the third quarter and still managed 20 points and 9 rebounds, finishing with a +21 plus-minus in limited minutes.
The win evened the series at 1-1 and pushed momentum back to Minnesota as they head into Game 3 in San Francisco.
Fan Reactions: From Shock to Humor
As with any viral moment, X users didn’t hold back with their takes. While the general tone stayed humorous, reactions ranged from exaggerated concern to full-on meme energy:
- @TReck444: “Nigga don’t even let his own kids kiss him like that 😭”
- @CaptainLeMerica: “Ant should sue his gay ass for that” (clearly intended as hyperbole)
- @sea✰: “That’s just love man”
By the early morning of May 9, 2025, merchandise was already being promoted:
- @podxmas_gift: “Anthony Edwards + Michael Irvin Kiss moment after Game 2 Shirt”
Others simply enjoyed the randomness:
- @canes_muse: “Michael Irvin 🤝 Anthony Edwards (Peep the kiss at the end)”
The meme-ification of the moment was swift, but thanks to Edwards’ chill response, it remained lighthearted.
Sports Culture and OG Affection
To understand why this moment went viral, it’s important to view it in the context of sports culture—especially among Black athletes. Michael Irvin, known for his energy and emotional displays, likely saw the postgame kiss as a gesture of love and respect.
“OG” in this context means more than “original gangster”—it’s a term of reverence. Irvin, a respected figure in sports broadcasting and an NFL legend, was likely celebrating not just a Wolves win, but the ascension of Edwards as one of the league’s young stars.
And based on Edwards’ calm demeanor and praise afterward, the feeling was mutual.
Was It Uncomfortable? A Closer Look
While Edwards appeared slightly caught off guard in the moment, there was no public indication that he felt disrespected or uncomfortable. His relaxed tone and endorsement of Irvin (“I love him, for sure”) support the idea that the kiss was:
- Unscripted
- Possibly surprising
- But ultimately welcome
It’s worth noting that gestures like hugs, handshakes, and even kisses are not unheard of in postgame media spaces—especially among athletes with deep respect for each other.
Why It Went Viral Anyway
In the TikTok-era media cycle, unusual physical gestures + facial expressions + postgame emotion = viral clip. Combine that with:
- A booming social platform like X
- Cross-sport interaction (NFL meets NBA)
- An expressive star like Anthony Edwards
- An emotional analyst like Michael Irvin
…and you get exactly the kind of spontaneous, shareable moment that dominates timelines and talk shows for the next 24 hours.
Final Takeaway: No Drama, Just Unfiltered Love
While the interaction initially confused or amused viewers, the situation quickly clarified itself thanks to Edwards’ mature response.
This was not an uncomfortable confrontation—it was a postgame celebration shared between two charismatic, competitive figures in American sports.
In the end, “the kiss” was just one of many unscripted moments that remind fans why they love the NBA playoffs—not just for the basketball, but for the personalities that make the game unforgettable.
But yes, Michael Irvin created an unforgettable moment for the 2025 NBA Playoffs with Ant-Man.