“You Won’t Believe What Terrifies Connor McDavid” The Oilers superstar finally reveals his bizarre phobia — click to find out what haunts him off the ice

Oilers’ Connor McDavid Opens Up on His Bizarre Phobia After Revelation

Connor McDavid has shared a lighter side of his life away from the rink after a strange fear of his became public.

The Edmonton Oilers captain recently addressed his long-running phobia of ketchup. The story first surfaced through his wife, Lauren Kyle.

Kyle revealed the detail during her appearance on the “Never Offside with Julie and Cat” podcast. She said McDavid has never tasted ketchup and avoids it completely.

“He’s never even tried it, to be honest,” Kyle said. “If I’m having it with a meal, I have to get it from the fridge; he will not put it back in the fridge or touch the bottle. It has to be at the other end. … He does think it’s funny, but he’s still afraid of ketchup; he just won’t have it.”

McDavid has finally spoken about the topic on Sportsnet After Hours. He explained the fear dates back to childhood, saying that his brother, Cameron, shares the same issue and may be the reason.

“Honestly, you know, it stems from childhood,” McDavid said. “My brother’s the same way. Not sure where it came from. I’m gonna blame it on him. He’s worse than I am. Yeah. I learned off him, so take it up with him.”

McDavid admitted it fits the definition of a phobia.

“I don’t know what it is,” McDavid said. “The texture, it’s the look of it, it’s everything — yeah, I think it’s a phobia, yeah.”

Off the ice, McDavid and Lauren Kyle were engaged in June 2023 at Lake Muskoka in Ontario. The couple married on July 27, 2024, during a private ceremony.

On the ice, McDavid remains dominant for the Oilers this season. He leads the NHL with 69 points in 40 games. McDavid has posted 24 goals and 45 assists. His play drives the league’s top power-play unit.

Meanwhile, the Oilers (20-14-6) sit first in the Pacific Division with help from Leon Draisaitl.

Related: Kris Knoblauch Praises Connor McDavid For Oilers’ Recent Success

Related: Tristan Jarry Reacts to Playing With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl After Oilers Trade

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.