Heated Rivalry continues to spark conversations well beyond the screen, and star Hudson Williams says the response from within the sports world has been especially meaningful.
During a recent appearance on Andy Cohen Live on SiriusXM, Williams revealed that professional athletes who are not publicly out have privately contacted him after watching the queer hockey series.
The episode, which aired on January 8, features Williams discussing how the show has resonated with viewers who see their own experiences reflected in its storylines.
According to Williams, many of the messages have come quietly and anonymously. “It’s definitely the people who reach out, somewhat anonymously, who are like, ‘I’m still a professional player and I’m still in the closet,’” he said in a preview clip released ahead of the broadcast.
MORE: Donna Kelce throws shade at sons' 'past girlfriends'
When Cohen asked whether those messages were coming specifically from hockey players, Williams explained that the outreach has spanned multiple sports. “They’re reaching out to Rachel [Reid], our author, who will then relay these lovely anonymous emails,” he said. “Sometimes they’re just reaching out privately, through like Instagram.” Williams noted that he has heard from athletes in hockey, football, and basketball.
Those interactions, he said, have underscored the impact of the series. “Those ones are the ones that really just hit you,” Williams explained, adding that while Heated Rivalry is celebratory in tone, it can also connect with viewers on a deeply personal level.
Williams also addressed broader conversations sparked by the show, including discussions around masculinity in professional sports. He shared frustration with assumptions that physical closeness between men must always be sexualized. “There’s a lot of taboos around exploring physical intimacy with people you admire and love,” he said, pointing to what he described as ingrained cultural thinking.
MORE: It's a girl! 49ers star Fred Warner welcomes baby Bella with wife Sydney
Referencing his bond with co-star Connor Storrie, Williams emphasized that affection doesn’t require explanation. “No matter what people think or want to infer, I’m always going to just physically express my love,” he said. He added that discomfort with that idea says more about societal norms than personal relationships.