Jason Kelce, full name Jason Daniel Kelce, born on November 5, 1987, is a notable figure in American football, serving as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL).
His tenure with the Eagles began after his selection in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, after an impressive college football career at the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Kelce’s NFL accomplishments boast a Super Bowl triumph, six Pro Bowl appearances, and five instances of being selected to the first All-Pro team. These accolades underscore his impactful presence and stellar contributions to the league.
His contributions to the sport have positioned him as one of the esteemed figures in the history of NFL centers, earning him widespread recognition as one of the greatest in the league’s annals.
Beyond his on-field prowess, Kelce ventures into podcasting alongside his brother, Travis, co-hosting “New Heights.”
The podcast serves as a platform for discussions spanning their respective playing careers and various other engaging topics, showcasing their interests and insights beyond football.
Table of Contents
Jason Kelce’s Early Life
Hailing from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Jason Kelce was raised in a family with Ed Kelce, who was employed as a sales representative in the steel industry, and Donna, who pursued a career in banking.
He maintains a strong sibling connection with his younger brother, Travis Kelce, who is celebrated as the skilled tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In his developmental years, Jason Kelce enrolled at Cleveland Heights High School, demonstrating his athletic talent by excelling in both running back and linebacker roles, earning the esteemed All-Lake Erie League accolade on two occasions.
Not limited to sports alone, he also exhibited his musical talents by playing the baritone saxophone, contributing his skills to the symphonic and jazz bands at Cleveland Heights.
Jason Kelce’s College career
During his tenure at the University of Cincinnati (UC), Jason Kelce transitioned through various positions after joining as a walk-on running back.
Following a redshirt year, he shifted to fullback and eventually found his niche on the offensive line. Kelce’s journey began with nine-game appearances in 2007, where he showcased his versatility by playing at both center and guard.
The season we have yielded success for the Bearcats, concluding with an impressive 10–3 record and securing a resounding victory against Southern Mississippi in the PapaJohns.com Bowl.
In 2008, Kelce transitioned into the starting left guard position, playing a pivotal role in an outstanding offensive line that boasted future NFL linemen Jeff Linkenbach and Trevor Canfield.
This cohesive unit bolstered the UC offense, averaging 27.3 points and 375.3 yards per game. Their collective effort contributed to the team’s remarkable 11–3 record, secured the Big East championship, and led to their participation in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
The following year, in 2009, Kelce’s proficiency earned him second-team All-Big East honors while maintaining his starting position at left guard.
The Bearcats accomplished an impeccable undefeated regular season with a perfect 12–0 record, clinching another Big East Championship and securing a coveted BCS Bowl berth.
However, their journey concluded with a defeat against Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Kelce transitioned to the center position for his senior year in 2010 as the Bearcats faced a 4–8 season under the leadership of new coach Butch Jones.
Despite the team’s challenging year, Kelce’s performance stood out, starting in the final 38 out of 47 games in his Bearcats career—26 at left guard and 12 at center.
His contributions earned him Honorable Mention All-America and second-team All-Big East honors.
Jason Kelce’s Professional Career
Jason Kelce, though not fitting the prototypical NFL size, was projected as a potential fourth-round pick. His remarkable agility was evident when he clocked the fastest 40-yard dash time among offensive linemen at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, recording an impressive 4.89 seconds.
However, just before the draft, Kelce underwent an appendectomy on March 11, 2011, due to appendicitis. Despite the setback, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Kelce in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Due to the NFL lockout, he could only immediately join practice or sign a contract on July 25, 2011, once the lockout was lifted.
He eventually signed a four-year contract on July 27. Howard Mudd, the new offensive line coach for the Eagles, envisioned Kelce following in the footsteps of the accomplished Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, whom Mudd had coached for 11 seasons.
Kelce faced competition from Jamaal Jackson, the incumbent starter, for the center position during the initial training camp in August.
Eventually, Kelce secured the starting role for the season, becoming the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 games at center.
In 2012, Kelce retained his starting position but suffered a season-ending injury, tearing his MCL and ACL in a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The following season, in 2013, Kelce returned to start all 16 games. His efforts contributed significantly to the Eagles’ playoff run, setting team records for points scored and total yards.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in assisting LeSean McCoy, who emerged as the NFL’s leading rusher that year, amassing an impressive 1,607 yards on the ground.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized Kelce as the best center in the league that season, and he received the Ed Block Courage Award for his contributions.
2014, Kelce signed a substantial six-year, $37.5 million contract extension with the Eagles. Despite undergoing surgery for a sports hernia and missing four games, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
His consistency continued in the subsequent seasons, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2015, 2016, and 2019 while receiving All-Pro honors multiple times.
Kelce had a standout 2017 season, being named First-team All-Pro, winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles, and delivering a memorable and impassioned speech during the team’s victory parade.
Kelce showcased resilience and durability throughout his tenure, starting his 100th consecutive game in 2020 despite numerous Eagles’ offensive line changes.
He continued to receive accolades, being nominated for the Art Rooney Award and making his presence felt at the Pro Bowl. In 2021, Kelce extended his streak of Pro Bowl selections and earned recognition as a first-team All-Pro for the fourth time.
He was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and secured a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
Considering retirement before the 2022 offseason, Kelce signed another one-year deal with the Eagles worth $14 million, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.
He continued his Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro streak for the 2022 season. In Super Bowl LVII, Jason Kelce made a memorable appearance while facing the Kansas City Chiefs, where his brother, Travis Kelce, played.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Jason Kelce showcased his commitment by re-signing with the Eagles on a one-year contract after considering retirement.
In a significant milestone during the 2023 season, Kelce broke the Eagles’ record for most consecutive starts previously held by Jon Runyan in week 6.
His contributions and consistent performance have solidified his legacy as a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line and a respected figure in the NFL.
Jason Kelce’s Awards and Honors
Jason Kelce has amassed an impressive array of awards and honors throughout his college and NFL career. In the NFL, he holds the prestigious title of Super Bowl champion, earning this distinction following his team’s victory in Super Bowl LII.
His remarkable performances on the field have been consistently recognized with five First-team All-Pro selections, secured in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Kelce’s excellence has also earned him six Pro Bowl appearances in 2014, 2016, and consecutively from 2019 to 2022, further solidifying his standing among the league’s elite players.
During college, Kelce showcased his talent and dedication, earning recognition as a two-time Second-team All-Big East player in 2009 and 2010.
These accolades underscore his exceptional abilities and contributions to the game, laying the foundation for his successful transition to the professional level.
Jason Kelce’s Personal Life
Jason Kelce, the eldest son of Ed and Donna Kelce, is the older sibling of Travis Kelce, an acclaimed tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ed Kelce pursued a career as a sales representative in the steel industry, while Donna Kelce, possessing a master’s degree, worked in banking at Mastercard before engaging in projects to construct housing for disadvantaged communities utilizing low-income tax credits.
Donna Kelce is recognized for her unwavering dedication to backing her sons, regularly attending their games, and proudly exhibiting a distinctive two-sided jersey showcasing their names.
Her commitment was evident when she made a remarkable journey from Tampa to Kansas City to attend her sons’ Wild Card round games on January 16, 2022.
In high school, Jason pursued hockey alongside football while Travis showcased his skills on the basketball court. Both brothers also dabbled in lacrosse, with Jason participating for several years and Travis engaging for two seasons.
Through a dating app, Kelce crossed paths with his future wife, Kylie McDevitt. The couple tied the knot on April 14, 2018, and has since welcomed three daughters, born in October 2019, March 2021, and February 2023. Kylie was 38 weeks pregnant with their third child during Super Bowl LVII.
In 2023, Kelce was recognized as a finalist in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list, marking a unique achievement off the field.
Kelce ventured into entertainment outside of football, appearing alongside then-teammate Beau Allen in the Super Bowl LII-themed episodes of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
He also made a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) during an episode hosted by his brother Travis, participating in sketches alongside SNL cast members Heidi Gardner and Chloe Fineman.
In September 2022, the Kelce siblings initiated a collective project by introducing a weekly podcast, “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.”
This podcast serves as a platform dedicated to engaging discussions about NFL-related subjects and their respective performances in games and frequently includes appearances by guest speakers.
The Kelce family has a unique pronunciation of their last name, /ˈkɛlsi/ KEL-see, adopted from their father’s preference, differing from the rest of their paternal relatives who pronounce it as /kɛls/ KELSS.
Jason shared that their father, tired of correcting the mispronunciation, decided to align with the ‘KEL-see’ pronunciation, a choice both brothers now uphold.
In 2022, a Philadelphia-based studio produced a documentary, “Kelce,” focusing on Jason Kelce’s football career and personal life.
The feature-length documentary premiered on Amazon Prime on September 11, 2023, swiftly becoming the most-watched movie on Prime Video in the United States within 24 hours of its release.
Furthermore, extending his involvement beyond football, Kelce broadened his horizons by joining Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit in the commentary booth for the live coverage of a Week 10 NFL game featuring the Chicago Bears and the Carolina Panthers during Thursday Night Football, broadcasted on Amazon Prime Video.
Additionally, Kelce engaged in a collaborative effort with Eagles teammates Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata for the production and release of the Christmas album titled “A Philly Special Christmas,” launched in December 2022.
FAQs about Jason Kelce
How tall and heavy is Jason Kelce?
Jason Kelce stands at an impressive height of 1.91 meters, which translates to approximately 6 feet and 3 inches. As for his weight, Kelce carries a sturdy build, weighing around 128 kilograms, equivalent to about 282 pounds.
These measurements reflect his robust physical stature, contributing to his effectiveness and resilience as an athlete, particularly as a center in American football.
What nationality is Kelce?
Jason Daniel Kelce, born November 5, 1987, is the American football center for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL).
The Eagles picked him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft after his college football career with the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Is Jason Kelce younger than Travis?
Regarding age, Jason Kelce holds the older brother’s position. Jason, born on November 5, 1987, is the elder sibling, whereas Travis, born on October 5, 1989, is younger.
Is Jason Kelce older than Travis?
Jason and Travis were raised in Ohio, although Jason, the elder sibling, was born in North Carolina. Travis is currently 34 years old, while Jason is 36.
Both brothers attended Cleveland Heights High School, where Jason excelled as a running back and linebacker in football while Travis showcased his talents in basketball and soccer.
What is Jason Kelce’s net worth?
Curious about Jason Kelce’s net worth? As per Celebrity Net Worth, Jason Kelce boasts a total net worth of $30 million. This figure is expected to soar even higher owing to the rising popularity of New Heights.
Does Jason Kelce own cows?
The Kelce documentary on Prime Video delves into Jason’s contemplation of retirement following a Super Bowl loss.
Spoiler alert: despite being 35 years old, he returned to the Eagles for his 13th season after securing a one-year contract worth $14 million. Additionally, Jason has shown interest in farming, having recently purchased 11 cows.
Jason Kelce’s Biography Reference
- Ross Homan – Wikipedia
- Is Jason Kelce Married? – The News Pocket
- Jets Sweepstakes: Surprise Insider – Heavy.com
- Tyreese – Wikipedia
- Jason Kelce: Profession, Ethnicity, Family, and Net Worth – Medadmbjmc
- Jason Kelce’s Net Worth – EurekaFund
- Jason Kelce – Du Học Trung Quốc
- History of Kentucky Horse Park – Kentucky Horse Park
- 3 Bold Predictions for Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones in 2023 – Musket Fire
- Press Conference: Jalen Hurts, February 12, 2023 – Philadelphia Eagles
- Training Camp Preview: Linebacker – Philadelphia Eagles
- Travis Kelce’s Wife/Girlfriend – Liga Deportiva
- Alia Bhatt is Expecting First Child with Hubby Ranbir Kapoor? – Times Now Pakistan
- Dan Claps: A Franchise Trailblazer, Entrepreneurial Extraordinaire, and Leader in Business Success – FranIgnite
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