Caitlin Clark may be dominating headlines in the WNBA, but over the weekend, it was her former Iowa backcourt partner who unexpectedly stole the spotlight.
Gabbie Marshall, once a key piece of the Hawkeyes’ rise to national prominence, showed up at an NFL game and instantly became the center of attention — both inside the stadium and across social media.
All it took was a single photo.
A Familiar Face, A New Setting
Marshall spent five seasons in Iowa City building a reputation as one of the program’s most reliable contributors. While Clark shattered scoring records, Marshall became known for her toughness, defensive intensity, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
After helping lead Iowa to a national championship appearance during her fifth year, many assumed Marshall would pursue a professional basketball career. Instead, she surprised fans by choosing graduate school over the WNBA — a decision that reflected her desire to carve out her own path beyond the court.
Bengals Game Appearance Goes Viral
Fast forward to Sunday, and Marshall was back in the spotlight — this time at an NFL game.
The Cincinnati native attended a Bengals matchup, proudly wearing team colors. The Bengals’ social media team quickly took notice, sharing photos of Marshall from the stands. Within hours, the images began circulating widely online.
Fans flooded the comments with reactions, many stunned by how effortlessly she commanded attention in a completely different sports environment. Former Hawkeye supporters and NFL fans alike chimed in, celebrating the crossover moment.
Why Fans Are Still Drawn To Marshall
Despite never posting eye-popping numbers during her college career — she averaged 6.6 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds — Marshall’s influence always extended far beyond the stat sheet.
Her leadership, work ethic, and team-first mentality made her a fan favorite, and those same qualities continue to resonate even after stepping away from competitive basketball.
By opting for graduate school and staying connected to her hometown sports scene, Marshall has shown that an athlete’s impact doesn’t end when the final buzzer sounds.
Still Making Noise Without Stepping On The Court
As the Bengals battled on the field, Marshall’s presence in the crowd served as a reminder that visibility and influence don’t require a jersey or a contract.
Whether she’s supporting her hometown team or inspiring former teammates’ fans, Gabbie Marshall continues to turn moments into conversations — and judging by the reaction this weekend, people are still paying very close attention.
You can check them out right below:
Caitlin Clark Teased Gabbie Marshall After She Was Posted By The Bengals
The snaps garnered plenty of comments from social media users, including from the college and pro basketball world.
“@gabbie.marshall bringing that ENERGY 
@iowawbb | #RuleTheJungle
,” they captioned the photo.
“This is amazing
,” Kate Martin of the Las Vegas Aces commented.
“Second pic is giving me game winning block vibes from big 10 championship. Love to see it,” current Hawkeyes player Kylie Feuerbach wrote.
“NEED her back on the court ASAP,” another comment read.
“Go Chiefs!” Clark teased.
The Indiana Fever star spent most of her life in Iowa but is a Chiefs fan.
The Chiefs are yet to play in Week 5 and are scheduled to take on the Saints on Monday night. But Gabbie Marshall and the Bengals have already learned their fate as they lost a close one to the Ravens in overtime on Sunday.
