Travis Kelce is in the house for Saturday night’s Kentucky Derby, but there’s no sign of girlfriend Taylor Swift.
Kelce, who attended a pre-Derby gig in Louisville with ex-NBA star Chandler Parsons on Friday night, rocked up at Churchill Downs for the big race on Saturday looking dapper in a stylish white suit, black tie and matching top hat.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end arrived in plenty of time ahead of the Derby, which is due to get underway at around 6:57pm ET.
He turned up at the racecourse solo and without Swift, who has not made an appearance in Kentucky this weekend.
And not too long after making his appearance, Kelce appeared to land one of his first bets of the day at Churchill Downs.
In footage shared on the Kentucky Derby’s official Instagram account, the 34-year-old can be seen jumping up and down and celebrating after sweeping up an early windfall.
The video included the captions: ‘When you show up to the Kentucky Derby and your first bet hits’ and ‘@killatrav off to a hot start at the Kentucky Derby’.
Kelce was celebrating his winning wager in an owners suite at Club Sports Illustrated at Churchill Downs, having also attended SI’s pre-Derby party the night before.
Travis wasn’t the only NFL-related figure in attendance, nevertheless, with Miami Dolphins star Braxton Berrios’ girlfriend Alix Earle also in Louisville for the Derby.
On Friday night, Kelce was seen hanging out with The Chainsmokers and retired NBA player Parsons at Sports Illustrated’s Revel at the Races concert.
Chainsmokers duo Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart were performing at the Ice House venue as part of the gig, which took place on the eve of the Kentucky Derby.
After he was seen enjoying the show with good friend Parsons, Kelce made an appearance on Pall’s Instagram story as he stood back to back with the former Houston Rockets player while smoldering into the distance.
He also partied with Pall and Taggart after winning his third Super Bowl back in February, with the Grammy-winning artists playing Swift’s ‘You Belong With Me’ song while playing at the team’s afterparty in Las Vegas.
In a video which quickly went viral, Kelce hopped up on stage after hearing them play his girlfriend’s song, before singing along and pumping his fists in the air.
Jason Kelce has addressed the hype over his New Year’s Eve arrival outfit, revealing on the New Heights podcast that it was the velour tracksuit his brother Travis bought him for Christmas.
Travis had previously revealed that he bought designer tracksuits for all his teammates as a festive gift, saving an additional one for his brother Jason – who had inadvertently just admitted that he wasn’t a fan of the material.
Despite that, a grateful Jason still pulled on the tracksuit for his arrival to the Eagles game on New Year’s Eve, with fans going wild for the look – and the incredibly long drawstrings down to his knees.
Addressing the pictures, Travis asked his brother if he was ‘now a velour fan’, to which Jason was very clear, saying: ‘No.’
He then added: ‘I will say, the top was nice, it was a comfy top. It was clearly a nice material. The pants – it has a liner in it, I don’t like liners. I’m not a fan of liners.
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Jason Kelce arrived at the Eagles game in the velour tracksuit gifted to him by brother Travis
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Jason then pulled the tracksuit on again after the game, to give a tetchy interview to reporters
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Jason and the Eagles fell to another defeat on New Year’s Eve, losing to the Arizona Cardinals
‘What is it about high-end sweats, that I feel like they’re pretty much the same as low-end sweats, they just start making the drawstring longer?
‘I feel like that’s the only thing that happens… the longer the drawstring, the more expensive the sweatpants.’
‘The hoodie is typically bigger as well,’ Travis added, before then asking his brother if he had given away the gift after wearing it once.
‘I didn’t give it to anybody, but I don’t think I’ll be wearing this that frequently, I just… I appreciate it though, it was a good gift,’ Jason replied.’
‘I appreciate you dressing as me for the New Year’s game,’ Travis then joked.
Jason again pulled on the tracksuit post-game for a very tetchy interview with reporters, with the Eagles having just been upset by the Arizona Cardinals.
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Earlier in the day, Travis was spotted by DailyMail.com in a tiger-striped tracksuit of his own
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Eagles center Kelce in action during the loss against the Arizona Cardinals on New Year’s Eve
Kelce and his teammates slumped to their fourth defeat of the month as the Cardinals claimed a stunning 35-31 upset victory at Lincoln Financial Field, which dented the hosts’ NFC standing ahead of this season’s playoffs.
It means the San Francisco 49ers have secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage as the No.1 seed, with footage emerging of their players celebrating Arizona’s win following their own victory against the Washington Commanders.
While he’s typically known for being one of the nicest guys in the NFL off the field, Kelce struggled to maintain that role after Sunday’s defeat as he batted away an opening question from a reporter in blunt fashion.
When asked how frustrating the loss was, the Eagles center said snappily: ‘Pretty frustrating, yeah. Next question’
they were “shocked” to hear the news as the Midnights singer, also 33, is “not really his type.”Kelce previously dated Maya Benberry in 2016 after she won his heart on his dating show Catching Kelce on E! Network, but the relationship lasted only eight months. He then went on to date ex-beauty queen Kayla Nicole, whom he lived with for three years.
The two reportedly broke up in May 2022, but Patrick Mahone’s wife, Brittany, sparked Swift during her Eras concert in Kansas.
“I was disappointed that she doesn’t talk before or after her shows because she has to save her voice for the 44 songs that she sings,” he told his brother, NFL star Jason Kelce, on their podcast. “So I was a little butthurt I didn’t get to hand her one of the bracelets I made for her.”Claiming he wanted to creatively pass the singer his digits, Travis explained, “If you’re up on Taylor Swift concerts, there are friendship bracelets. I received a bunch of them being there, but I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on it.”
But he noted, “She doesn’t meet anybody, or at least she didn’t want to meet me, so I took it personal.”
Gigi Hadid’s 29th birthday fell over a week ago on April 23, 2024. But the Vogue cover girl only posted images from her special week to Instagram on Thursday.
The older sister of Bella Hadid was seen in two bikini images as she spent time with pals on her family’s farmhouse in Pennsylvania.
The blonde beauty enjoyed a two-tiered white birthday cake, swam in a pool, and spent time with her daughter Khai Hadid Malik, age three, whom she shares with ex Zayn Malik.
And she was also seen on the coast in Carmel, California as well as in Las Vegas, two places she reportedly visited with boyfriend Bradley Cooper, 49.
‘Ttwas my bday (week) feelin so grateful,’ wrote the daughter of Yolanda Hadid in her caption.
Longtime friends Kylie and Kendall Jenner hit the like button as did Kourtney Kardashian.
Also liking the post were Blake Lively, Hailey Bieber, Alessandra Ambrosio, Olivia Culpo, Joan Smalls, Josh Brolin, Carmen Electra, Alyssa Milano and Eiza Gonzalez.
Eiza also wrote, ‘Happy bday you cutie!! ’ while Elsa Hosk left one red heart emoji.
Gigi is clearly still going strong with Cooper.
They had fun in Carmel By The Sea, California with her pal Taylor Swift and her beau Travis Kelce, according to Travis’ mother Donna Kelce.
And Hadid also followed Cooper to Las Vegas where he was with his food truck Danny and Coops Philly Cheesesteak.
An insider revealed earlier this year that the celebrity duo have a ‘natural connection’.
A source told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: ‘Gigi and Bradley are in love.’
Gigi and Bradley’s burgeoning romance has been described as ‘easy, fun, and normal’. A second source said: ‘Things have continued to blossom between Gigi and Bradley and have gotten serious.
‘Everyone around them sees their natural connection. Their relationship is easy, fun, and normal.
‘They bond over family, friends, conversations about life, parenting, living in the public eye, humor, and more.
‘They have a synergy and understanding with regard to all these things and it connects them in a deep way.’
Last year, a source claimed that Bradley felt ‘excited’ about getting to know Gigi.
The Hollywood actor loves spending time with Gigi and she’s ‘exactly his type’.
The source told DailyMail.com: ‘Bradley is excited about getting to know Gigi. He hasn’t felt this excitement about a woman in a very long time. They are taking it slow, but he’s very into her. She is exactly his type.’
Bradley and Gigi – who previously dated pop star Zayn Malik – were also said to be ‘having fun’ together, in spite of their age gap.
A second source said at the time: ‘Bradley is eager to date again and be in a relationship.
‘He loves all that comes with it and Gigi is beautiful and she gets it, she is really cool and knows her way around relationships like this with famous men, so they are both having fun.’
Her career is doing great too.
In mid April she put her fabulous supermodel figure on display as she posed for the massive brand Victoria’s Secret.
The mother-of-one appears to be in the best shape of her life with lean legs, sculpted arms and impressive abs in a nude bikini that leaves little to the imagination.
The New York-based star was representing the summer 2024 swim line which looked to be enticing with cute cut-out designs.
‘It’s so fun to see swimwear trends coming back around,’ the star of Victoria Secret’s new Escape to Summer campaign told InStyle.
‘Victoria’s Secret is bringing back some archive swim styles and getting to revisit them with a new lens is making me fall back in love.’
The collection offers swimsuits, cover-ups, and ready-to-wear separates like corset tops.
Hadid is excited.
‘The monokini felt so flattering to wear for this new campaign,’ said Hadid.
‘I also love seeing bright pops of color, print, high-cut and cheeky bottoms, and fun details all here to stay in 2024.’
The catwalker also shared with InStyle: ‘I choose my swimwear based on what my day in the water looks like. If I’m going to be playing in the sand with my daughter or playing volleyball, I’d reach for a supportive set or one piece with more coverage. But if I have time to tan, and want to look cute, I love something colorful, patterned, and cheeky.’
You can’t be a Philadelphia Eagles fan and not love Jason Kelce.
The colorful veteran center is the heartbeat of the team in so many ways, and it is one reason why he has the fan base’s attention right now. He is 35 and reportedly considering whether he will play another season.
But, while fans await that decision, there may just be a chance to catch Kelce in a way that they have yet to really get to experience. Because, according to a TMZ report, he might just end up on Saturday Night Live.
Per the site, Kelce’s brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is slated to host this weekend’s show, and there is an invitation for Jason to attend and make a cameo on the big stage, too. TMZ says that Travis Kelce plans to have his mom, Donna, his Uncle Don and Aunt Joan and, perhaps, his dad, Ed, in the crowd.
But TMZ said Saturday Night Live producers want Jason Kelce there, not just to sit in the crowd, but to hop up on the stage and take part in front of the camera, too. The site said whether or not that happens could come down to a “last-minute decision” as Jason has been busy at the NFL Combine with his “New Heights” podcast. He and his wife also just recently welcomed a third baby girl, Bennett, into the world.
The Kelce brothers, of course, got national attention with their teams squaring off in Super Bowl LVII last month. Travis’ Chiefs took down Jason’s Eagles, 38-35.
Jason is also expected to make a decision about his playing future in the next several weeks, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported prior to the Super Bowl.
He played collegiately at Cincinnati. He was the Eagles’ sixth-round pick, 191st-overall, in the 2011 draft and has spent his entire career with the team. He helped win Super Bowl LII and is a five-time first-team All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowl pick.
He has started all 177 games that he has played in with the team.
It becomes Taylor’s fifth album to spend more than one week at the top
Taylor Swift fends off competition from Pet Shop Boys to secure a second week atop the Official Albums Chart with The Tortured Poets Department.
Taylor’s 11th studio album, which broke Official Chart records in its first seven days on sale, spends a second consecutive week at Number 1. It becomes the superstar’s fifth studio LP to spend more than one week at the summit, joining 2020’s folklore (three weeks) and evermore (two weeks), 2022 release Midnights (five weeks) and 2023 record 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (three weeks).
London-formed synth-pop legends Pet Shop Boys earn this week’s highest new entry with their 15th studio album nonetheless (2). The record becomes Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe’s 19th Top 10 album, and their highest-charting LP in 31 years, since Very topped the chart in 1993.
nonetheless also debuts at Number 1 on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, shifting the most copies on vinyl this week, and the Official Record Store Chart, as the best seller in independent UK record shops over the past seven days.
It’s a third Top 10 album for Oklahoma-born alt-pop artist St. Vincent this week, as her seventh studio release All Born Screaming makes its mark (3). The singer-songwriter, real name Anne Erin Clark, previously enjoyed UK Top 10 success with 2017’s Masseduction (6) and 2021 release Daddy’s Home (4).
Jess Glynne also secures a third Top 10 album with JESS (6), following the chart-topping success of 2015 debut I Cry When I Laugh and 2018 follow-up Always In Between.
The Big Decider, The Zutons’ first studio release in 16 years, becomes their fourth Top 10 album (5). Previously, the Liverpool-formed rock group saw similar results with 2004 debut Who Killed……The Zutons? (6), 2006’s Tired Of Hanging Around (2) and 2008 release You Can Do Anything (6).
Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey’s celebrates a career-best, and a brand-new peak, with her Bewitched LP this week (13). The album, which originally landed at Number 89 on its release in 2023, surges thanks to a deluxe Goddess Edition reissue.
5 Seconds of Summer star Luke Hemmings also secures a solo career-best with his EP boy (22). Luke’s first release, When Facing The Things We Turn Away From, landed inside the Top 100 in 2021 (51).
Canadian singer, songwriter and record producer PARTYNEXTDOOR earns his third UK Top 40 record with PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 (PT4) (26). Previously, he enjoyed Top 40 success with 2016’s PARTYNEXTDOOR3 (PT3) (11) and 2020 release PARTYMOBILE (7). 2014’s PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO charted inside the wider Top 100 (66).
Teddy Swims’ I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) vaults an impressive 62 spots to Number 33 thanks to a deluxe reissue featuring brand-new single The Door.
And finally, French electronic music duo Justice claim their second Top 40 album, and a career-best, with Hyperdrama (34). The pair had previously peaked with 2011 release Audio, Video, Disco. (35).
In a succinct and strategic move, the Kansas City Chiefs’ early draft strategy has been distilled to a singular objective: to bolster the support system around their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
Priority on Protection and Playmakers: Enhancing Mahomes’ Surroundings
Recognizing Mahomes’ pivotal role in the team’s success, the Chiefs’ draft approach prioritizes acquiring talent that will both protect Mahomes in the pocket and provide him with dynamic playmaking options on the field. By fortifying the offensive line and adding weapons to the receiving corps, the Chiefs aim to maximize Mahomes’ effectiveness and elevate the team’s offensive capabilities.
Strategic Investments: Building for Long-Term Success
The Chiefs’ emphasis on supporting Mahomes extends beyond immediate needs, with the team strategically investing in players who can contribute to long-term success. By selecting prospects who possess both talent and potential, the Chiefs ensure that Mahomes will have a strong supporting cast for years to come, laying the foundation for sustained excellence.
Team Cohesion and Chemistry: Strengthening the Chiefs’ Offensive Cohort
In addition to talent acquisition, the Chiefs’ draft strategy places a premium on building cohesion and chemistry within the offensive unit. By selecting players who complement Mahomes’ skill set and fit seamlessly into the team’s offensive scheme, the Chiefs aim to create a cohesive and dynamic unit capable of executing at a high level.
Fan Confidence: Aligning with Chiefs’ Expectations
With the draft strategy centered on enhancing Mahomes’ support system, Chiefs fans can be confident that the team is fully committed to maximizing their quarterback’s potential and pursuing championship aspirations. As the offseason progresses, anticipation builds for the impact that the newly drafted players will have on Mahomes and the Chiefs’ quest for success.
Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Elevating Mahomes and the Chiefs
In conclusion, the Kansas City Chiefs’ early draft strategy is laser-focused on one overarching goal: to help Patrick Mahomes thrive on the field. By prioritizing protection, playmakers, and long-term success, the Chiefs are poised to strengthen their offensive arsenal and position themselves as formidable contenders in the NFL landscape for seasons to come.
Travis Kelce revealed which two foods he’s cutting out in 2024 as part of his New Year’s resolutions — but Jason Kelce isn’t on board with his choices.
“I’m not eating bacon anymore. I’m done eating bacon,” Travis, 34, told his brother, 36, on the Friday, December 29, episode of their “New Heights” podcast.
Jason and his wife, Kylie Kelce, were shocked by Travis’ revelation, but when they asked why he was over the tasty meat, Travis couldn’t keep up his ruse. “I’m definitely still eating bacon,” Travis confessed as Jason let out a belly laugh.
While bacon is still on the menu for Travis, he insisted, “I probably will never have mayo again. I am over mayo. I’m done with it.”Jason quickly called out his brother, saying Travis never eats mayo. “He hates mayo,” Jason revealed. “He’s giving up something he doesn’t already do.”
Travis joked, “You gotta sacrifice something,” adding that his family is “not big on resolutions.” Kylie, 31, noted that she didn’t have any resolutions but told her brother-in-law, “I wish you luck in your endeavors to give up mayonnaise.”
Although the Kelces didn’t agree on New Year’s resolutions, they did gush over their successful Christmas. Jason and Kylie, who share three daughters, Wyatt, 4, Elliotte, 2, and Bennett, 10 months, celebrated the holiday in Philadelphia with mom Donna Kelce following the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the New York Giants on Monday, December 25.
Travis also played on Christmas Day in Kansas City. The Chiefs lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, but Travis’ holiday wasn’t spoiled as his father, Ed Kelce, and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, were both in attendance to root for him.
“It ended well with good Christmas cheer and great people,” Travis said on Friday of his holiday festivities. “That’s always going to save Christmas no matter if you lose to the Raiders or not.”
Taylor’s parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, and brother, Austin Swift, were also at Arrowhead Stadium for the special game. Austin, 31, came to the stadium dressed up as Santa while Taylor, 34, wore a Santa hat with Travis’ number sewn on the white trim.
Travis said Austin “killed it” with his look and “actually made me feel like a child because his gift to me was straight out of the bag.” The tight end shared that Austen gifted him a “VHS of my favorite movie of all time … Little Giants.”
Travis didn’t reveal what he gave Taylor, whom he was first linked to in summer. However, the twosome, who went public with their romance in September, have gushed about each other on multiple occasions.
“When you say a relationship is public, that means I’m going to see him do what he loves, we’re showing up for each other, other people are there and we don’t care,” Taylor told TIME during her Person of the Year interview earlier this month. “The opposite of that is you have to go to an extreme amount of effort to make sure no one knows that you’re seeing someone. And we’re just proud of each other.”
The Grammy winner, who has become a staple at Travis’ games, joked: “Football is awesome, it turns out. I’ve been missing out my whole life.”
The N.F.L. tends to suppress individuality, but podcasts from stars like the Kelce brothers, Micah Parsons and Tyreek Hill are popping up as valuable portals to fans.
Hours after winning a playoff game with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, tight end Travis Kelce chatted with his older brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, about the intricacies of blocking defensive linemen while the siblings devoured dinner at a steakhouse.
As they laughed, Travis Kelce’s longtime manager, Aaron Eanes, realized that the moments delighting him could be projected to millions of viewers and listeners. Shortly after the meal, they all started talking seriously about putting together a podcast.
“New Heights,” the audio and video series that the Kelces began in September 2022, now consistently ranks as the top weekly sports podcast on Apple, Spotify and other platforms, fueled in part by their teams’ Super Bowl matchup in February and Travis Kelce’s budding relationship with the pop star Taylor Swift.
“I think it’s fun and guys will keep doing it as long as there’s a thirst from the audience,” Jason Kelce said. “It feels like that’s the model a lot of guys are going to.”
The Kelces, whose teams will face off in a rematch on Monday night, are emblematic of the surge of N.F.L. players who have begun hosting podcasts during the season, a surprising development in a league that tends to suppress individuality. The next-man-up mind-set is pervasive in a violent sport that requires its athletes to be concealed in helmets, and in a league that enforces a strict uniform policy and delivers five-figure fines for excessive celebrations.
But an influx of younger, more tolerant coaches and executives, as well as players who are becoming more business-conscious, has opened the door for several N.F.L. stars to moonlight as podcast hosts, including Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
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On Von Miller’s podcast, he interviewed his Bills teammate Damar Hamlin, right, who nearly died on the field last season.Credit…Bleacher Report
Filled with insights about their performances, off-field adventures and the league’s daily chatter, the podcasts are a direct portal to fans and a way for players to build their brands.
“The football mentality is always, ‘Go, go, go, lock in, lock in,’ nonstop,” Hill said. “We’re coming into a day and age where football players, we want to be monetized, we want to be seen on the big screen. Everything is about branding yourself these days, and if you don’t do that, you’re going to fall behind and miss out.”
The phenomenon of active athletes hosting podcasts largely started in the N.B.A., where players can command more attention because there are smaller rosters and more frequent games. Early entries included JJ Redick’s “The Vertical” in 2016 and Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye’s “Road Trippin’” in 2017.
Perhaps the first active N.F.L. players to host a podcast were offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, who was playing for the Tennessee Titans in 2019 when he started “Bussin’ With the Boys,” and his former teammate Will Compton, a free agent at the time.
Podcasting is particularly attractive to players who are still generating N.F.L. highlights and not enjoying a relaxing retirement. The foray into a lucrative entertainment landscape is one they can fit into a regimented schedule. Hill said he started his podcast, “It Needed to Be Said,” partly to prepare for a potential broadcasting career.
The financial upside can be gigantic: This year Pat McAfee, a former punter for the Indianapolis Colts, signed a deal with ESPN, reportedly worth $85 million, to bring his popular show to the network. Brands such as Bleacher Report, which works with Parsons and Miller, have increasingly signed up athletes. And the medium has become a growth area for agencies who represent players.
“It’s the democratization of content,” said Josh Pyatt, the co-head of WME Sports, who helped LeBron James and Peyton Manning build media production companies. “There’s a low barrier to entry, which is why I think there’s so many podcasts out there and why, when they cut through the clutter, they’re so valuable.”
Miller said podcasts also allowed players to connect authentically with fans while bypassing questions from traditional reporters. He recently interviewed his teammate Damar Hamlin, who nearly died after going into cardiac arrest during a game in January and has spoken sparingly to the news media.
“Whenever it’s like that and the ball is in your court, you can direct the conversation to whatever you’re comfortable with,” Miller said.
Parsons’s podcasts have included thoughts on the Cowboys’ opponents, intensifying rivalries. The Kelces discuss leaguewide topics, such as the Eagles’ success on quarterback sneaks, and have featured high-profile guests including Commissioner Roger Goodell.
It was long conventional wisdom that players, particularly quarterbacks, could transition to the media world after hanging up their cleats. But taking on those responsibilities during the N.F.L. season, a gantlet of games, film study and ice baths, seemed inconceivable to many coaches and general managers.
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Micah Parsons’s podcasts have included thoughts on the Cowboys’ opponents, intensifying rivalries.Credit…Bleacher Report
Brandon Marshall, the All-Pro receiver, said ahead of the 2015 season that new Chicago Bears leadership would not let him be a television analyst on his weekly day off. After retiring, he started the “I Am Athlete” podcast.
“The N.F.L. does a great job at protecting the shield and making sure everyone knows that it’s all about the N.F.L. and less about the player,” he said. “What you end up getting is a more institutionalized player — a player in the box.”
But that box is breaking, players said, as franchises begin to recognize the value of marketing players’ off-the-field lives. The Los Angeles Rams now produce a podcast with quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Before the Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold started his podcast in April, he alerted the team’s public-relations staff, which soon recommended he participate in a developmental broadcast boot camp.
“Football is turning more into entertainment,” Ingold said. “All these touch points allow fans to grow closer to their favorite players, and I think become more invested to the product on the field on Sundays.”
In the summer of 2022, the Kelces moved ahead with their podcast with Wave Sports + Entertainment (W.S.E.).
Both brothers were initially wary of distracting their teams, but Jason Kelce said they became more comfortable after seeing Lewan and Compton’s successful show. They were further swayed by the basketball player Draymond Green, who documented the Golden State Warriors’ 2021-22 championship season, including an episode from his hotel room after he was ejected from a playoff game.
The Kelces informed their teams’ public-relations staffs that they were starting “New Heights” — a play on Cleveland Heights, Ohio, their hometown — and W.S.E. sent crews to their homes to install recording equipment. Shows are typically taped on Tuesdays, the normal off day for N.F.L. players.
“Dealing with athletes, they’re creatures of habit, so as long as we can find some weekly time for them to lock it in, it makes it super easy for them,” said Tunde St. Matthew-Daniel, the senior vice president of original content for W.S.E. “We have the operation around them; all they have to do is show up and be engaged.”
“New Heights” succeeded quickly because of the Kelces’ jovial nature but broke through in February, when the media frenzy before the Super Bowl focused heavily on the brothers’ relationship. Another round of new listeners and viewers arrived in September after Swift attended one of Travis Kelce’s games.
For many of Swift’s devoted fans, the podcast became their introduction to football.
“We were confident it would be good, but I don’t think anybody anticipated that amount of growth,” Jason Kelce said. “We kind of struck lightning in a bottle.”
PHILADELPHIA — Dylan McMahon and Jason Kelce have quite a few similarities, besides the obvious of being Philadelphia Eagles draft picks.
Kelce was 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds when he was drafted as a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in 2011. McMahon is a little bigger at 6-foot-3 and 299 pounds, or about the same size Kelce was when he retired (6-foot-3, 299 pounds).
It didn’t take long for the two to make their acquaintance, as Kelce was hanging out in the NovaCare Complex weight room prior to Eagles rookie minicamp this week. The rookies were starstruck, including McMahon, whom Kelce had a few words for.
“First he looked at me and said, ‘Undersized center? We have that in common,’” McMahon said at the NovaCare Complex on Friday. “[We] just talked a little bit about football and the guys I’ll be facing regularly in our division. He just said, ‘Make sure you’re staying in the weight room and putting good weight on you. With the frame of your body, there are good places to put weight and good places to add muscle.’”
To add even more similarities with Kelce and McMahon, Kelce was selected at pick No. 191 in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Thirteen years later, McMahon was selected one pick earlier — at No. 190 in the sixth round.
Kelce was once an afterthought as a sixth-round pick before having a great training camp and earning his way into the starting center role in Week 1 of his rookie campaign. There were some peaks and valleys along the way, but Kelce became one of the greatest centers in NFL history and a future Hall of Famer.
Players like Kelce are why McMahon believes he has a chance to shine in the NFL, even as an undersized center.
“There are plenty of those stories … so you know that it’s possible,” McMahon said. “You just have to keep your head down, work hard and really buy into what [Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland] is doing here.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made sure McMahon and Kelce were able to get acquainted, attempting to maximize every opportunity for the sixth-round rookie to succeed in the league. McMahon doesn’t have to start in Week 1 (the Eagles have Cam Jurgens at center), but there could be an opportunity if Jurgens were to go down with an injury.
Kelce is willing to help out McMahon in any way he can. McMahon will make sure he listens and be ready if his number is called.
“He’s the best center to ever do it,” McMahon said. “Just to meet him and have him around this building to be able to pick his brain once in a while is just an amazing experience.”
