Join Jason Kelce, longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles and vibrant podcaster, as he shares his journey in the NFL and the close bond with his brother, Travis. They reflect on emotional growth amidst the pressures of professional football and the importance of teamwork. Kelce discusses the challenges of player accommodations, revealing surprising insights from the NFL team report card. With a mix of humor and honesty, he reveals why losing isn’t an option and offers a glimpse into life beyond the field.
Jason Kelsey values positivity, unity, and fostering a supportive environment in both football and his podcast.
Kelsey discusses his growth and challenges with the Philadelphia Eagles, emphasizing the importance of open communication and valuing player opinions.
Kelsey acknowledges the physical and mental challenges of aging in the NFL, the impact on family life, and the importance of mitigating long-term health risks.
Deep dives
Jason Kelsey's Relationship with His Brother and the Super Bowl
Jason Kelsey, the Philadelphia Eagles' longtime center, discusses his relationship with his brother Travis, who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. They became the first brothers to play against each other in the Super Bowl. Kelsey shares his thoughts on their competitive dynamic and his desire for his brother's happiness and success. He also reflects on their interaction after the Super Bowl where their teams faced off.
Jason Kelsey's Approach to Being a Professional Football Player
Kelsey talks about being a podcast host beside his football career and his appreciation for embracing positivity and unity. He discusses the importance of coaches fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for players, where everyone feels valued and respected. Kelsey shares his belief in seeing the good in people and his desire to bring people together.
Jason Kelsey's Relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles Organization
Kelsey discusses his long and sometimes challenging relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles organization. He talks about his personal and professional growth throughout his career and the ups and downs he has experienced. Kelsey expresses his appreciation for the Eagles' coaching staff and training department while also highlighting areas for improvement, such as the facilities and team travel. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and valuing individual players' opinions in the organization.
Challenges of Aging in the NFL
Jason Kelsey, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, discusses the physical and mental challenges of playing in the NFL as he gets older. He talks about how injuries, decreased energy levels, and the demands of the game make it harder to perform at a high level. Kelsey also opens up about the impact of playing football on his family life, particularly the strain it puts on his relationship with his young daughters. He reflects on how being a father is a job he takes seriously and that influences his decision-making about retirement.
Long-term Health Concerns and CTE
Kelsey shares his thoughts on the long-term health consequences of playing football, including concerns about brain injury and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While he acknowledges the risks, he highlights the importance of adopting lifestyle mitigations such as proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition to potentially reduce the severity of cognitive decline. Kelsey emphasizes that more research and medical advancements are needed to detect CTE in living players and advocates for NFL players to donate their brains for scientific study. He also mentions his personal experiences with injuries and surgeries throughout his career, showcasing the toll the sport takes on an NFL player's body.
Pro footballer and star podcaster Jason Kelce is ubiquitous right now (almost as ubiquitous as his brother and co-host Travis, who's been in the limelight for his relationship with Taylor Swift). After you hear this wide-ranging interview, you might want even more Kelce in your life.
