On the melancholic Monday night when Philadelphia Kelce Mania Eagles fans witnessed the conclusion of their team’s season, marked by star center Jason Kelce’s tearful eyes, hinting at a possible retirement, the sense of an era coming to an end was palpable.
Kelce Mania
“Thirteen seasons. Seven-time Pro Bowler. Six-time All-Pro. One Super Bowl. One No. 1 podcast. And one Sexiest Man Alive title,” remarked ESPN analyst Pat McAfee the following day, recounting Jason’s illustrious career. “Hell of a run….”
While Jason may have potentially played his last down in the NFL, for the Kelce brothers, particularly Travis Kelce, the journey seems far from over. Last February’s Super Bowl LVII, where Travis’ Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over Jason’s Eagles, sparked the beginning of Kelce Mania. The subsequent months, packed with their chart-topping New Heights podcast, the record-breaking Amazon Prime documentary Kelce, numerous endorsements, and Travis’ high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, have only intensified the public’s fascination.
The Kelces’ mother, Donna Kelce, reflects on the surreal and enjoyable ride: “Being able to be with my kids—the experiences, the places, enjoying people I’ve never met before. And I’m very happy they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor because it’s [been] a tough ride to get where they are now.”
The essence of the Kelces’ success lies in their natural charm and authenticity, coupled with their willingness to banter and tease each other on their podcast. Father Ed Kelce notes that this brotherly banter has been a constant since their toddler years.
Raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Jason and Travis grew up playing various sports and occasionally causing mischief. Despite their occasional antics, they developed a deep commitment to each other, fostered by their parents’ dedication to family.
As the Kelces contemplate their future beyond the football field, their media empire continues to grow, with investments ranging from F1 Racing (Travis) to a Missouri cattle farm (Jason). Travis’s management team envisions him becoming as famous as Dwayne Johnson, with plans to transition into acting and hosting post-retirement.
For now, Travis hones his charisma on the New Heights podcast, sparring verbally with his worthy foil, Jason. Their competitive banter continues unabated, as Donna shares with a laugh, “They’re just as competitive as adults today, always jabbing at each other [about] who’s the best. It doesn’t stop. They’re each other’s biggest fan.”