Explained: Why Rob McElhenney is now an avid Wrexham grass collector – with wife Kaitlin Olson embracing bizarre habit

The ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ actor has committed fully to the surprising sporting project that he put in place with Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds back in the spring of 2021. The pair are now tied emotionally and financially to the Welsh outfit in the fourth tier of English football, and the local community the club serves.

McElhenney and Reynolds have experienced plenty of highs and lows across their time associated with Wrexham, with a number of keepsakes being picked up along the way. Some of those are now safely packed in an air-tight container at McElhenney’s Los Angeles home, with wife Kaitlin Olsen embracing his somewhat bizarre habit of returning to the United States with Welsh turf in his suitcase.

Discussing that trend with The Athletic, McElhenney has said: “As I grow older, I recognise you must take time to take a breath and enjoy what it is you’re doing. If we’re not taking stock of where we are and where we’ve come (from), then what is the point? I’m staring right now, in my office, at a thing my wife made for me for my birthday. When I get down on the pitch, I have a tendency to take some of the grass and put it in my pocket, so I have a keep-sake of the event. I’d keep them in these little plastic bags and put a piece of paper inside with the occasion (written on it). She stole them from the drawer I keep them in and took them to a (picture) framer. Now they are behind this air-sealed glass. They put some kind of chemical in the grass to keep (preserve) it and then there is a little plaque underneath each one. There’s my first home win I saw against Maidstone. The Hand of Foz — which is the Notts County game (when goalkeeper Ben Foster made an iconic 96th-minute penalty save against Wrexham’s promotion rivals late last season). The National League title…”

Wrexham are hoping to deliver more memorable moments for their co-chairmen in 2023-24, with McElhenney adding on how many spaces he has left in which to complete his collection: “There are another eight (slots) underneath that are empty, just waiting for the next few large milestones.”

Wrexham are pushing for promotion out of League Two this season, with would spark more cause for celebration, while they are also still in the FA Cup and through to the knockout stages of the Football League Trophy.