Jason Kelce and his younger brother Travis Kelce have long been known for their talent on the football field, but what fans may not realize is how their lives off the field have brought them closer together. Before starting their popular podcast New Heights in September 2022, the brothers often went months without speaking, their busy schedules and separate lives in different cities due to their NFL careers making it difficult to maintain regular communication. However, the podcast became a turning point for their relationship. Jason, the older of the two, revealed in an interview with Bustle that the weekly podcast sessions have forced them to sit down and talk, rekindling the bond they shared growing up. "The best part of the podcast is just getting to talk to Trav," Jason said, emphasizing how the show has helped them reconnect after years of living apart.
Jason, who retired from his 13-season NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2024, and Travis, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, have both had their fair share of success in the football world. However, their lives took different paths as they pursued their careers in different cities. Despite their physical distance, the podcast has become a space for them to reflect on their shared experiences and rebuild their connection. Jason explained that he sees his role as an older brother not as a mentor, but as a cheerleader for Travis. "I try not to be too much of an advice person and more like a support person," he said, adding that he’s always there for Travis when he needs it, but he avoids telling him what to do. This dynamic has allowed their relationship to grow organically, with Jason letting Travis navigate his own path while offering unwavering support.
The podcast has also given the brothers a chance to reflect on their shared journey, from their early days growing up together to their current lives as NFL stars. Jason admitted that it’s been rewarding to rekindle the closeness they once had, especially after spending so many years apart due to their demanding careers. "We both have a lot going on in our lives, and it’s been fun — after all these years being in different cities and fighting to make it in the football landscape — to rekindle the amount of times that we talk and the closeness that we have growing up our entire lives," he shared. The podcast has become more than just a platform for discussing football; it’s a space for the brothers to reconnect and celebrate their shared experiences.
Jason has had more time to focus on their relationship since his retirement, which has also allowed him to explore new opportunities outside of football. He currently works as an analyst for Monday Night Countdown, a role that keeps him connected to the sport he loves while giving him the flexibility to prioritize family and personal interests. Meanwhile, Travis has been thriving on the field, helping lead the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl victories, including in 2020, 2023, and 2024. The brothers even faced off against each other in the 2023 Super Bowl, where Travis and the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 38-35 win over the Eagles.
However, the 2025 Super Bowl brought a mix of emotions for Jason as he watched his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, take on the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Jason, who was in the stands cheering on his former teammates and his brother, admitted that the game was "odd" for him to watch. On one hand, he wanted the best for Travis and the Chiefs, and on the other, he deeply cared about the Eagles organization, which had been a huge part of his career. "On one hand, I wanted what is best for my brother, and to see his success," he wrote on X. "And on the other hand, there are so many people, teammates, and coaches, in the Philadelphia Eagles organization that I care deeply about, many of whom I owe my own success to throughout my career."
Despite the emotional conflict, Jason couldn’t help but feel pride for Travis and the Chiefs. He acknowledged that Travis has achieved greatness, something few people can ever imagine, and he made it clear that his younger brother doesn’t need or want his pity. "He has amassed greatness few on this planet could ever dream of, as has his team, and they should feel pride in their accomplishments this season and in the past," Jason said. The brothers’ relationship is a testament to the power of love, support, and shared experiences, both on and off the field. Their journey reminds us that even in the face of professional success and personal challenges, family bonds can endure and grow stronger with time. The Kelce brothers’ story is not just one of football glory but also of the unbreakable ties of brotherhood.
