University of Calgary Football Star Makes International Modeling Debut at Gucci Show
Gavin Weiss, an 18-year-old running back for the University of Calgary Dinos football team, has recently stepped into the international spotlight with his debut at the Gucci 2026 Fall Fashion Show in Milan. Standing at 6'2" and weighing around 200 pounds, Weiss showcased his modeling talents on the prestigious runway, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Balancing Football and Fashion
Weiss, a born and raised Calgarian, first discovered his passion for football in Grade 9 while playing with the South Calgary Bantam Colts. "The first time I played football in the Little League, I just loved it so much, I just wanted to pursue that very much," he recalled. "So, from there, I started taking it pretty seriously." Despite facing injuries during his high school years at Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in southwest Calgary, Weiss persevered, undergoing surgery in 2024 before his Grade 12 season and working diligently to make a name for himself.
Now in his freshman season with the UCalgary Dinos, where he is pursuing a business degree, Weiss has dressed for every game this year. He emphasized the valuable lessons football has taught him, stating, "The team aspect of the sport is very good for just becoming a man, I like keeping each other accountable and things like that. There's a lot of lessons that you can take from football, and the competitive nature of the game is also very, very addictive."
A Surprising Entry into Modeling
Weiss's introduction to the modeling world began at age 15 when he was scouted by Kelly Streit, CEO of Mode Models International. Initially, he took on small gigs in Calgary, as opportunities for minors are limited. "I just did little gigs here and there in Calgary, because when you're under 18, you can't really do anything very significant, you can't really go places," he explained. While he enjoyed making some extra money, Weiss never anticipated it would lead to such a high-profile opportunity.
As he focused more on football and hit the gym to build his physique, his agent warned that these changes might limit his modeling prospects. However, to his surprise, Mode Models submitted him to the casting director in Milan, where he was selected for the Gucci show. "I stayed with them, I was still on their website, because, you know, maybe it could happen, maybe I could get some jobs," Weiss said, noting that his larger build represents a "niche sort of type of model."
Keeping a Light-Hearted Perspective
Despite the excitement of his international debut, Weiss remains grounded and light-hearted about his dual pursuits. "I'm just taking it light-hearted, you know, I don't want to get too wrapped up in it," he remarked, reflecting on the balance between his athletic and modeling careers. This attitude has helped him navigate the unexpected twists in his journey, from local gigs in Calgary to the global stage in Milan.
As Weiss continues to excel both on the football field and the runway, his story serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and versatility can open doors to diverse opportunities. With plans to further his education and athletic career at the University of Calgary, he is poised to make waves in multiple arenas, proving that passion and hard work know no bounds.
