Lukas Van Ness' dad has confused social media users after a viral video appears to show him slapping his son’s girlfriend on the backside during an NFL Draft celebration.
The 21-year-old footballer was drafted 13th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday (April 27) and it's safe to say that his father Jason was giddy with excitement.
In a video shared on social media, the father-of-four enthusiastically stood and pumped his fists up upon hearing the good news before embracing Ness' girlfriend, Frankie Kmet.
The older man then proceeded to slap the brunette - who is the daughter of retired NFL defensive end, Frank Kmet and sister of Chicago Bears tight-end Cole Kmet - on her butt twice.
Watch the moment below:Jason instantly became a viral sensation as many users jumped into the quotes to share their shocked reactions, with several finding Jason's gesture highly inappropriate.
One person wrote: "Nah this is WILD. that's his son's girl and [mom] is in attendance. These ppl crazy."
Another user remarked: "Man, that was awkward, what a creep...," while a third person commented: "This is the most awkward draft moment of all time."
A fourth questioned: "Lukas Van Ness’s dad sneaking in a quick 2 piece out here on national tv???"
Lastly, a fifth user stated: "Caught in 4k lol god damn."
The Packers' selection for Van Ness came after the team traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets in one of the most significant trades of the offseason.
The young athlete was deemed the standout defensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes the last two seasons. In 2021, he played in all 13 games and had 33 total tackles, seven sacks, and a pass defended, per Fox News.
A year later, the footballer played in all 13 games, had 37 total tackles, and six sacks. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022.
According to Newsweek, Van Jess spoke about his time in Iowa and how he has evolved over the past couple of years, stating: "I just came in as a long, tall, lanky kid who had the frame and the ability once I got in the right program to grow and develop. I feel super comfortable with my development, and I feel like it was crucial to the way my career played out at Iowa."
He also explained what areas he feels are his proficiency, saying: "Getting the opportunity to bump back outside this year... that's where I feel comfortable.
"That's where I feel like I can use my tools and excel, and they bumped me outside and I feel like I was able to take what I learned playing defensive tackle and move it outside to play a physical brand of football, use my length on the edge, use my power and just really impact the game to help this team win," he added.
The Packers GM Gutekunst supported Van Ness, expressing: "I do think he's going to play right away, and he'll help us right away. There's so much technique to that to be able to win in this league. It all takes them a little bit of time. But I would expect him to be able to help us this year."
