NFL fans either love or hate the Philadelphia Eagles.
But when it comes to Jason Kelce, there is no in between.
The party-loving, older Kelce brother dominated coverage of the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl, despite the Eagles getting blown out in a Wild Card game early in the postseason.
By the time that Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs edged the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in an overtime thriller inside Allegiant Stadium, Jason was an internet sensation.
Then he became even bigger on social media by wearing red-and-yellow overalls while playing DJ and partying with a mask on, as Taylor Swift and Travis continued their blossoming romance.
Jason is truly a man of the people and has embraced the spotlight that now follows the Kelce brothers everywhere.
Since entering the league in 2011 as a sixth-round draft pick out of Cincinnati, the seven-time Pro Bowler has become universally loved across the football world and is expected to eventually enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“You know what an underdog is? It’s a hungry dog,” said Jason, in a Super Bowl parade quote that perfectly sums up his career.
The sight of a visibly emotional Jason crying on the sideline after Philadelphia’s painful defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also connected with NFL fans, who saw a highly respected 13-year veteran realising in real time that he might have played his final professional game.
Jason told teammates in the locker room after the season-ending loss that he was retiring, according to ESPN.
Jason considered retiring in recent seasons and there had been growing speculation that the 2023 campaign could be his final one.
But as of January 13, Jason was still an NFL player, while his brother Travis was part of a dynasty with the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
“Hall of Famer and I’m sure Jason Kelce would do well on a pregame (TV) show,” one fan tweeted.
While Travis is the super-famous Chiefs tight end who hosts Saturday Night Live and dates an international pop music superstar, older Jason has brought a workman-like vibe to the blue-collar Eagles and his worldwide fame.
Jason is down to earth, low key, funny and highly relatable.
He wears flip-flops before NFL games while many players treat locker-room entrances like a Paris fashion show.
He also wears crazy costumes and hilarious masks, embracing Philly culture and the city’s us-against-the-world vibe.
Jason also embraced his role as a father and husband, with the 6ft 3in and 295lb offensive lineman letting the world know how much his family meant to him.
“Being a father is by far the biggest highlight of my life, no question about it,” Jason told People.
Then is Jason’s indisputable power and leadership on the football field.
Despite not being taken until the next-to-last round of the draft, the Ohio native became one of the greatest offensive linemen of his era.
Jason has started 193 games, made six All Pro teams and been at the center of the Tush Push, a play so successful that many NFL teams pushed for a league ban.
Throw in a popular podcast with Travis, and Jason’s support of the Phillies during their recent MLB playoff run, and there’s no doubt that a sixth-rounder from Cincy has become one of the most popular linemen in NFL history.
Some fans loved watching the Eagles fall apart down the stretch of the 2023 season and took pleasure in Philadelphia being knocked out of the playoffs by Tampa Bay.
But Jason’s NFL contributions on and off the field were instantly praised when news broke about his potential retirement.
He is real, true to himself and refreshingly unique.
He’s also willing to party with his shirt off — or party with a mask on while hanging out with Swift — which makes him impossible to ignore and easy to root for.
“Hungry dogs run faster,” screamed Jason, after the Eagles won it all by beating Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.
“Jason Kelce’s future is bright way beyond football,” a third fan posted. “A transcendent player, I can see him become a US Senator. He would galvanise communities — he is smart, thoughtful, with a great moral compass. Thank you Jason Kelce for 13 years of excellence with the Eagles.”