A Family Affair: The Brotherly Bond of Travis and Jason Kelce

Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce have both established themselves as stars in the NFL. However, their story is truly unique because of the close bond they share as brothers, which has been evident throughout their journey to the highest levels of professional football. While they compete against each other on the field as opponents, off the field their relationship exemplifies the power of family.

Travis and Jason grew up in an athletic household in Cleveland, Ohio. Their parents, Ed and Donna Kelce, instilled a love of sports in their sons from a young age. As the only children in the family, Travis and Jason formed a close relationship early on. “We were best friends growing up,” Jason recalled. “We did everything together.” Both brothers attended Cleveland Heights High School where they excelled in multiple sports, but it was clear even then that football would be their passion.

After high school, their paths initially diverged as they pursued their football dreams at different colleges. Travis attended the University of Cincinnati where he had a standout career as a tight end from 2009-2012. He left as the school’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns and was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Jason attended the University of Pennsylvania where he played center from 2008-2011. He helped lead the Quakers to an Ivy League championship in 2011. Undrafted, Jason signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 2012 and has remained with the team ever since, becoming one of the top centers in the NFL.

While on different teams in different conferences, Travis and Jason have followed each other’s careers closely from afar. Their support for one another is evident in their “New Heights” podcast, where they frequently discuss one another’s games and accomplishments. However, their brotherly rivalry also emerges as they break down plays and critique each other’s on-field performances.

“We’re definitely competitive,” Travis acknowledged. “But at the end of the day, we want to see each other succeed.” Jason echoed this sentiment, saying their relationship demonstrates that “you can be brothers and still compete at a high level.” Healthy competition has always been a part of their dynamic and continues to push both of them to excel.

This competition reached new heights when the Chiefs and Eagles met in Super Bowl LII in 2018. It marked the first time brothers had ever faced off against each other in the NFL’s biggest game. While the Eagles came out on top 41-33, both Kelce brothers viewed it as a dream realized. “To share that moment with my brother was incredible,” Travis reflected. The game highlighted their simultaneous success in the league despite taking different paths to get there.

Off the field, Travis and Jason showcase their tight bond through their podcast. Launched in 2021, “New Heights” has given fans a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and careers. It also shines a light on the importance of family. Both frequently credit their parents for their work ethic and perseverance. “Our parents pushed us to be the best we could be but also emphasized having fun along the way,” Jason said. Their upbringing instilled lessons about nurturing passions, not just chasing wins and losses.

Now in his 11th season with the Eagles, Jason continues to anchor their offensive line as one of the premier centers in the NFL. Meanwhile, Travis is in his 10th season with the Chiefs and coming off a Pro Bowl year in 2022 with his best statistical season to date. At 33 and 31 respectively, both brothers show no signs of slowing down. And when they do eventually retire, their legacy as brothers who achieved greatness together in the NFL will live on.

This February, Travis and Jason made history again by becoming the first brothers ever to face off against each other in the Super Bowl when the Chiefs battled the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. While only one could win the ultimate prize, their participation in such a monumental game was a testament to their talent, perseverance and the support they have provided each other throughout their parallel journeys.

Off the field, the Kelce brothers continue using their platform to uplift others. In 2021, they launched the “87 & 75 Foundation” which aims to empower and enable youth through access to health, wellness and education resources. Demonstrating the same selflessness their parents showed them, Travis and Jason hope to pay it forward to the next generation.

The story of Travis and Jason Kelce transcends football. It shows the power of family and how healthy competition between siblings can simultaneously foster success. Their decade-long careers in the NFL, guided every step of the way by their unyielding brotherly bond, serve as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams. While only one can win any given matchup, together the Kelce brothers have achieved victories that will echo for years to come.