Following the Philadelphia Eagles’ thrilling victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the football world buzzed with excitement and emotional reactions. Among those navigating the post-game wave of sentiments were brothers Jason and Travis Kelce, who found themselves on opposite sides of the gridiron once again. This time, however, it wasn’t just about the teams they represented—it was about the intricate dance of brotherly love, professional pride, and personal legacies.
Jason Kelce, a legendary center who spent 13 seasons anchoring the Eagles’ offensive line before retiring and becoming an ESPN analyst, found himself in a unique position. As co-host of the popular “New Heights” podcast alongside his younger brother Travis, he celebrated the Eagles’ championship win by sharing a congratulatory post on X (formerly Twitter). The post featured multiple photos of Jason with his former teammates and coaches, capturing joyful moments from the Eagles’ victorious night. However, it wasn’t long before Jason decided to take the post down. His reasoning, he explained, had nothing to do with his brother’s rough night on the field—Travis had just four catches for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss—or any ill will toward the Chiefs. Instead, Jason felt the post had become too focused on him rather than the players and coaches who had just achieved the ultimate triumph. “I wanted the post to be reflective of the guys who just won, not me,” Jason wrote on X. “I didn’t win s— in this one. It felt weird to congratulate this team with a bunch of pictures of me.”
This decision, while understandable, raised eyebrows among fans familiar with the Kelce brothers’ close relationship and shared football journey. Two years earlier, Jason and Travis made history as the first siblings to face off in a Super Bowl, with the Chiefs edging out the Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 contest. Jason had been effusive in his praise for Travis after that game, saying, “Obviously, I would’ve liked to win, but happy for Trav for sure.” This time, though, Jason’s mixed emotions were even more pronounced. No longer an active player, he still deeply identified with the Eagles organization and the people who had shaped his career. Yet, he couldn’t help but root for his brother and the Chiefs.
As Jason reflected on Super Bowl LIX in a candid and heartfelt post on X, he described the experience as “odd for me to watch.” He admitted that he had anticipated the mix of emotions but wasn’t fully prepared for how they would unfold. On one hand, he wanted nothing more than to see his brother Travis succeed on the biggest stage in football. On the other hand, he felt a deep connection to the Eagles’ organization, the players he had once called teammates, and the coaches who had helped him build his career. The tension between these two loves created a bittersweet experience, one that left him grappling with how to express his feelings publicly.
Jason’s lengthy and introspective post, which he jokingly referred to as “the longest tweet ever,” offered a poignant glimpse into his internal conflict. He began by congratulating the Eagles, his former teammates, and friends on their hard-fought victory. He expressed pride in Jalen Hurts, Nick Sirianni, and the entire Eagles roster, marveling at their resilience, determination, and ability to prove their doubters wrong. He praised the team’s character andswagger, calling it a true representation of the toughness and grit that defines Philadelphia. For anyone who knows Jason Kelce, it was clear that this victory felt personal, a testament to the bonds he had forged during his time with the Eagles.
At the same time, Jason turned his attention to his brother Travis, for whom he expressed immense love and admiration. He acknowledged the difficulty of processing his emotions, wanting to support Travis without coming across as dismissive of his achievements or the incredible talent of the Chiefs. “There isn’t a person I love or care about more,” Jason wrote of Travis. “He has amassed greatness few on this planet could ever dream of, as has his team.” Jason made it clear that while the Chiefs’ loss was still fresh, he wanted Travis and his teammates to take pride in their accomplishments, both this season and in years past. He reminded them—and himself—that the sting of defeat would eventually fade, leaving behind the legacy of one of the most dominant eras in football history.
Ultimately, Jason’s post, and the decision to remove the original congratulatory graphic, spoke volumes about his character and grace. It was a moment of vulnerability, one that humanized him beyond his status as a football legend or media personality. It reminded fans and followers alike that even in the world of professional sports—where wins and losses often feel all-consuming—familial bonds and personal integrity can transcend the game. For the Kelce brothers, Super Bowl LIX was more than just a game. It was a reminder of their shared journey, their unbreakable bond, and the enduring lessons they’ve learned along the way: that love, pride, and grace can coexist even in the face of fierce competition.
Jason Kelce’s post also shone a light on the broader themes of loyalty, gratitude, and identity that define his relationship with the Eagles and his brother. As he navigates this new chapter of his career as a broadcaster and analyst, Jason continues to grapple with what it means to be a part of the Eagles’ legacy while also supporting those closest to him. In the end, his words were a testament to the power of gratitude, the complexity of human emotions, and the enduring strength of family. For fans of both the Eagles and the Chiefs, and for anyone who loves football for more than just the final score, Jason’s reflections offered a poignant reminder of what makes this sport—and the people who play it—so special.
