If you ever spent your childhood getting grounded for throwing balls in the house, you might want to forward this story to your parents as a formal appeal. For Newport News natives Daniel and David Hulett, ignoring the classic "don't play ball inside" rule didn't just earn them a time-out—it earned them a spot on the global stage. In a twist that sounds like funny local news from Newport News but is actually a major career milestone, the viral duo has been officially tapped to join the 2026 Winter Olympics creators team in Milan next month.
From Basement Boredom to NBCUniversal Partners
It’s official: The Hulett Brothers viral trick shots are going gold. NBCUniversal recently announced its "Creator Collective" for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, and standing tall among the roster are Virginia’s own Daniel and David Hulett. The brothers, who have built a digital empire of over 11 million followers, will be on the ground in Italy to capture the spirit of the Games through their unique, high-energy lens.
This isn't just about watching sports; it's about reimagining how we consume them. As 2026 Winter Olympics creators, the brothers will have unrivaled access to athletes, venues, and the electric atmosphere of the Games. Their mission? To bring the "Let's Go!" energy that defines their brand to an audience that consumes content on phones rather than television sets.
The "Pandemic Pastime" That Exploded
The journey to Milan began in a much humbler venue: their parents' house in Newport News during the 2020 lockdown. Like many college students, Daniel (a Christopher Newport University soccer alum) and David found themselves stuck at home with excess energy and nowhere to go. To pass the time, they started filming viral sports pranks and intricate trick shots involving everyday items—ping pong balls, red solo cups, and kitchenware.
What separated them from the thousands of other bored teenagers was their relentless dedication. One famous indoor trick shot video, which involved flipping a nickel to land perfectly on its edge, took a staggering 70,000 attempts and 65 hours of filming. That level of commitment turned a quarantine hobby into a full-time career, eventually catching the eye of major brands like the NFL, Netflix, and now, the Olympic Committee.
Newport News Heroes Going Global
While they are about to jet off to the Italian Alps, the brothers remain deeply rooted in Virginia. Their rise is a point of pride for the local community, serving as the ultimate piece of funny Virginia news in 2026. They’ve traded their parents' basement for a 2,000-square-foot warehouse studio in Newport News, but the core of their content remains the same: pure, unadulterated joy (and a lot of yelling).
What to Expect in Milan
Fans can expect Daniel and David Hulett to bring their signature style to the Winter Games. Will we see a curling stone trick shot? A snowboard flip challenge? While the specifics are under wraps, their role as storytellers promises to bridge the gap between traditional Olympic broadcasting and the viral, fast-paced world of social media.
So, the next time you hear a crash in the living room, take a breath before you yell. You might just be interrupting the training regimen of the next global media sensations.
