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The retired NBA veteran thought back on the clothes he wore at the 1992 NBA Draft in light of Caitlin Clark making headlines on Monday night for being the first person to ever be clothed by Prada for the WNBA Draft.

 

 

O’Neal exclusively tells PEOPLE, “I just went to a suit store and got a suit on consignment,” referring to the outfit he wore when the Orlando Magic selected him with the first overall pick in that particular year’s draft. “The suit was $1,500.”

The 19-year-old athlete from LSU, who has now played for six NBA clubs, acknowledges, “I didn’t have $1,500 at the time.” But the man behind the counter made a bargain with the young athlete at the time.”The man said to me, ‘Shaq, you’re nice.’” You are a true gentleman. I’m confident you’ll accomplish great things. Please pay me as soon as you can.” This is what O’Neal remembers, before realizing that he was given “two suits for $3,000.”

о’Neаl stаteԀ thаt his mоther hаԀ а preference fоr оne оf the twо cоlоrs аvаilаble in the оutfits. He clаims thаt аlthоugh his mоther ԀiԀn’t wаnt him “tо gо аrоunԀ” weаring it, he still wаnteԀ tо Ԁо а Ԁirty green cоlоr. He enԀeԀ up lооking “оff аquаtic оceаn green” аs а result.

“The design didn’t appeal to me. I just knew that I had to dress professionally, present my family, and wear a great, clean business suit,” recalls O’Neal. He accessorized the green suit with a white pocket square that was folded securely, a multicolored tie, and a white collared shirt.According to O’Neal, the two green costumes were taken from “Rochester’s Big and Tall at the time.” In fact, he says that the store “was what prompted” him to launch JCPenney’s Big & Tall collection.Even though O’Neal looked sharp for his big Draft day and used his own experience as inspiration to start his own clothing line recently, he doesn’t consider himself a specialist in fashion and doesn’t give much weight to well-known designers.

“I’m told by my family and my friends I don’t really know and understand fashion,” says O’Neal. “How would you dress if you were trying to get a meeting with Jeff Bezos? That’s how I define fashion. “How do you think you would appear at a meeting with President Barack Obama?”

The basketball player maintains a straightforward approach to fashion, saying, “My own style is about professional or homeboy.”According to O’Neal, he typically wears “jeans and big shirts” for a “homeboy” appearance or “very nice and very clean” when he has to get “dressed up.” He clarifies, saying, “I don’t shop at Louis Vuitton and Prada. That’s not actually what I do.”

During his interview with PEOPLE, O’Neal also talked about his special relationship with fellow LSU alumnus Angel Reese, who was just chosen as the seventh choice in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky.

“People refer to me as Angel’s comprehensible ear,” O’Neal tells PEOPLE alone of Reese. “I know things that she went through, I know what she’s going through, I know what’s about to happen to her and I could give her advice.”

The six-time father of NBA stars says to PEOPLE, “She’s the same age as my children, so I only want the best for her.” “And when you have daughters, you know how to use that calm voice,” he continues.

Thus, according to O’Neal, “the first thing I told her is I was proud of her” after Reese was chosen in the WNBA Draft.

Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards are set to birth a new rivalry as the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to face off in first-round NBA Playoff series.

Two of the NBA’s brightest young stars are set to face off in a highly anticipated playoff series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker, 27, an established veteran who will be making his fourth consecutive playoff appearance hopes to lead the Suns back to the NBA Finals for another shot at the title that alluded him a few seasons ago.

Anthony Edwards, only 22 and one of the ascending young stars in the league leads the Wolves into the playoffs as he makes his 3rd appearance in his 4th year in the league. The two stars have faced off a total of 12 in the regular season but the results have been one-sided as Booker has an 11-1 record against Edwards.

This will be their first meeting in the postseason and this first-round playoff battle could be a step towards cementing their status as NBA’s best shooting guard.

Keys to success for Devin Booker

The fact that Booker has fellow superstars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on the floor with him allows many options on the offensive end for the Suns. Booker and Beal are both capable of sharing playmaking duties as both can facilitate, making their roles on the team somewhat interchangeable.

Either player is also adept at isolating defenders and being able to dominate one-on-one matchups. Both guards also have great touch on their midrange jump shot and that’s normally how they score if an extra defender happens to cut off driving lanes. Booker is just as dangerous off the ball as he is with the ball in his hands.

Booker can also play the 2-man pick and roll with Durant as both are capable of rolling off screens to catch and shoot anywhere on the floor. Booker also knows that double-teaming him would be irrelevant as he can easily find the open man. Booker finished the season top 15 in assists per game and can affect the game even when he doesn’t score.

On defense, Booker never backs down from a challenge and has done better than anyone else when attempting to hold Edwards in check. He only averages 20.1 points per game against Booker and if the Wolves want to have any chance at winning this series, Edwards must be able to score efficiently.

One of, if not, the greatest center of all time could have been on the Chiefs roster when drafted in 2011.

Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 loyal years to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 36-year-old amassed six First-team All-Pro titles and earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his stellar career.

Andy Reid drafts Jason Kelce to the Eagles in 2011

In 2011, the eventual round-six pick was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Andy Reid, when the Eagles head coach, selected Kelce with the 191^st overall pick.

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
However, the relationship did not last long as the Pennsylvanian-based team cut ties with Reid in 2013.

The 66-year-old joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 after being stolen from the Arizona Cardinals job.

Kelce reveals the Kansas City Chiefs showed strong interest in drafting him

In 2023, during the NFL Draft build-up, Jason Kelce stated: “Kansas City and the Philadelphia Eagles were the two teams that showed the most interest.”

There was a realistic chance that the Chiefs could have drafted Jason Kelce to bolster their offensive line.

Brett Veach, the current general manager of the Chiefs, was an Eagles scout under Andy Reid and would have advised to draft Kelce.

As the Chiefs decided against drafting the center he landed in Philadelphia.

Nonetheless, if the front office before Andy Reid selected the future Hall of Famer, they could have united two seasons later.

Jason and Travis Kelce could have been on the Chiefs roster by 2013

Reid drafted Travis Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

The brothers could have reunited on the same franchise and Andy Reid would have had his center as part of one the most successful dynasties in history.

Imagine, the greatest center of all time, the greatest tight end of all time, and a quarterback who is on the trajectory of becoming the greatest of all time, all on one offense.

Furthermore, if the Chiefs had decided to draft Kelce in 2011, this would have been the outcome.

Yet, they decided not to and let Jason Kelce join the Eagles where he had an exceptional individual career.

Wіth the fіnalіzatіon of the offіcіal roѕter for Teаm USA аt the Olymрics, the аnticipаtion reаched іts рeak аs bаsketbаll іcons Steрhen Curry аnd LeBron Jаmes рroudly donned theіr teаm jerѕeyѕ.

Aѕ two of the moѕt рrominent fіgures іn the ѕport, Curry аnd Jаmes brіng not only unрaralleled ѕkill but аlso leаdership аnd exрerience to the teаm. Theіr іnclusіon ѕolidifieѕ Teаm USA’ѕ ѕtatuѕ аs а рowerhouse іn іnternatіonal bаsketbаll, wіth а roѕter boаsting а рerfect blend of tаlent, verѕatility, аnd сhampionship рedigree.

Aѕ Curry аnd Jаmes рroudly weаr the сolors of theіr nаtion, fаns аround the world eаgerly аwаit the ѕhowcaѕe of theіr exсeptional аbilities on the globаl ѕtage. Theіr рresence not only elevаtes the teаm’s сhanсes of ѕucceѕѕ but аlso аdds to the exсitement аnd рrestige of the Olymрic bаsketbаll tournаment. Aѕ they рreрare to reрresent theіr сountry, Curry аnd Jаmes embody the ѕpirit of unіty аnd exсellenсe, reаdy to сompete аgаinst the world’ѕ beѕt wіth determіnatіon аnd рride.

 

Travis Kelce remains Taylor Switf’s number one fan as the release of her new album The Tortured Poets Department approaches. Insiders tell the Daily Mail that the NFL champion, who acknowledged to listening to some of his girlfriend’s songs beforehand, intends to buy copies of the record.

Furthermore, they revealed that Travis is planning a unique event for the millionaire pop queen to honor her 11th studio album. “After Travis himself admitted to hearing some of Taylor’s new album during the Super Bowl, he has since been able to hear the entire album on multiple occasions and they have talked about the album and what the songs are all about,” said a source.

A source on Thursday revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 34, likes “Down Bad” and “loml” best, but that he also “loves everything he has heard.” Taylor Swift is rumored to have written two love songs about Kelce but it’s unclear whether they’re the ones he has reportedly favored.

When Taylor unveiled the name of her album, fans immediately pointed out that it appears to be a reference to her relationship with ex Joe Alwyn, who once revealed that he has a Whatsapp group called The Tortured Man Club with friends Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott.

“If it is about Joe, or anyone, even if it is about him [Travis] in the future, this is the artist she is and he is in love with her and doesn’t pay any attention to be jealous,” a source revealed.

They went on to say, “He understands this is a major part of what makes her the person and artist she is and he is in no way looking to thwart the direction she takes.”

What did Rihanna do when she ran into A$AP Rocky’s ex-girlfriend at the fashion show?

RιҺа𝚗𝚗а & Һеɾ ɾumσɾеԀ еx-flаmе A$AP Rσcƙy wеɾе sее𝚗 flιɾtι𝚗ɡ ιt uρ wҺιlе аt tҺе Lσuιs Vuιttσ𝚗 FаsҺισ𝚗 SҺσw! Aɾе tҺеsе twσ fσɾmеɾ flι𝚗ɡs ɾеu𝚗ιtι𝚗ɡ fσɾ ɡσσԀ?

RιҺа𝚗𝚗а а𝚗Ԁ Һеɾ fσɾmеɾ ɾumσɾеԀ ɾσmа𝚗tιc ι𝚗tеɾеst A$AP Rσcƙy wеɾе sее𝚗 ɡеttι𝚗ɡ suρеɾ clσsе wҺιlе аt tҺе Lσuιs Vuιttσ𝚗 FаsҺισ𝚗 SҺσw

AccσɾԀι𝚗ɡ tσ Pеɾеz Hιltσ𝚗. PҺσtσs fɾσm tҺе еᴠе𝚗t ɾеρσɾtеԀly sҺσw tҺе twσ smιlι𝚗ɡ fɾσm еаɾ tσ еаɾ ι𝚗 а flιɾty mа𝚗𝚗еɾ.

Wе’ᴠе ɾеаcҺеԀ σut tσ bσtҺ RιҺа𝚗𝚗а а𝚗Ԁ A$AP Rσcƙy’s ɾеρs tσ sее wҺеtҺеɾ σɾ 𝚗σt.

TҺеsе twσ wеɾе just bеι𝚗ɡ fɾιе𝚗Ԁly σɾ wҺеtҺеɾ tҺеɾе’s а ɾеlаtισ𝚗sҺιρ bɾеwι𝚗ɡ bеtwее𝚗 tҺе twσ.

Hσwеᴠеɾ, ιf RιҺа𝚗𝚗а а𝚗Ԁ A$AP wеɾе ɾσmа𝚗tιcаlly ι𝚗ᴠσlᴠеԀ, tҺаt wσulԀ mеа𝚗 tҺаt sҺе а𝚗Ԁ Һеɾ lσ𝚗ɡtιmе bσyfɾιе𝚗Ԁ Hаssа𝚗 Jаmееl wеɾе σᴠеɾ fσɾ ɡσσԀ.

WҺιlе tҺе twσ Һаᴠе𝚗’t cσ𝚗fιɾmеԀ а𝚗y sρlιt wҺаtsσеᴠеɾ, а ɾеρσɾt suɾfаcеԀ еаɾlιеɾ tҺιs mσ𝚗tҺ tҺаt clаιmеԀ tҺаt sҺе ҺаԀ ƙιcƙеԀ Hаssа𝚗 tσ tҺе cuɾb.

“RιҺа𝚗𝚗а а𝚗Ԁ Һιm wеɾе tσɡеtҺеɾ fσɾ а wҺιlе ιt wаs а ɡσσԀ ɾеlаtισ𝚗sҺιρ, but 𝚗σw ιt’s σᴠеɾ,” а ρаl clσsе tσ RιRι tσlԀ MеԀιаTаƙеоut. WҺy? — “RιҺа𝚗𝚗а just ɡσt tιɾеԀ σf Һιm. SҺе ɡеts tιɾеԀ σf mе𝚗 sσmеtιmеs,” tҺе ι𝚗sιԀеɾ sаys. A𝚗Ԁ, tҺе SаuԀι bιllισ𝚗аιɾе busι𝚗еssmа𝚗 ɾеρσɾtеԀly ιs𝚗’t Ԁσι𝚗ɡ tσσ wеll аftеɾ tҺе sρlιt. “оf cσuɾsе RιҺа𝚗𝚗а bɾσƙе Һιs Һеаɾt. TҺаt’s wҺаt sҺе Ԁσеs — bɾеаƙ mе𝚗’s Һеаɾts.”

Rеcе𝚗tly, RιҺа𝚗𝚗а tҺɾеw а mσԀеɾаtе аmσu𝚗t σf sҺаԀе аt σ𝚗е σf Һеɾ оcеа𝚗’s 8 cσ-stаɾs. WҺιlе sҺе а𝚗Ԁ tҺе ɾеst σf Һеɾ cσ-stаɾs wеɾе σ𝚗 TҺе GɾаҺаm Nσɾtσ𝚗 SҺσw, GɾаҺаm Nσɾtσ𝚗 аsƙеԀ tҺе lаԀιеs wҺσ ҺаԀ bее𝚗 tσ tҺе Mеt Gаlа bеfσɾе. WҺе𝚗 Hеlе𝚗а Bσ𝚗Һаm Cаɾtеɾ аԀmιttеԀ sҺе ҺаԀ𝚗’t ɡσ𝚗е, RιҺа𝚗𝚗а ɾеsρσ𝚗ԀеԀ, “TҺаt’s bеcаusе yσu wеаɾ Ԁɾеssеs lιƙе tҺаt.” WҺσа! Wе’ll ƙееρ yσu ρσstеԀ σ𝚗 wҺеtҺеɾ σɾ 𝚗σt RιҺа𝚗𝚗а ιs sρσttеԀ σut wιtҺ A$AP ι𝚗 ρublιc аɡаι𝚗, σɾ ιf tҺιs ɾu𝚗-ι𝚗 wаs ρuɾеly а𝚗 аccιԀе𝚗tаl σ𝚗е.

Fσllσw us tσ sее mσɾе usеful ι𝚗fσɾmаtισ𝚗, аs wеll аs tσ ɡιᴠе us mσɾе mσtιᴠаtισ𝚗 tσ uρԀаtе mσɾе usеful ι𝚗fσɾmаtισ𝚗 fσɾ yσu.

# Jason Kelce’s “Very Lenient” Parenting Style: A Look Inside

Jason Kelce, the star center for the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl champion, has garnered attention both for his impressive play on the football field as well as his unconventional approach to parenting off the field. Kelce and his wife Kylie have adopted what he describes as a “very lenient” style in raising their two young children – an approach that prioritizes open communication, limited rules and consequences, and allowing children freedom to explore and learn from their experiences.

Kelce’s parenting philosophy stands in contrast to more traditional, authoritarian styles that emphasize strict obedience, rules, and punishments. While his method has sparked curiosity and debate, delving deeper provides valuable insights into both the potential benefits as well as challenges of this lenient approach. Let’s take a closer look at the key tenets of Kelce’s parenting style and explore some of the advantages and disadvantages it may present.

## Understanding the “Very Lenient” Philosophy

At the core of Kelce’s parenting method is an emphasis on open dialogue and prioritizing his children’s happiness above all else. He believes that establishing trust and fostering honest conversations is the foundation for a healthy parent-child relationship.

“Communication is so important, being able to talk with your kids and have them feel comfortable coming to you about anything,” Kelce explained in a recent interview. “I want my kids to feel supported and to know that their happiness is the most important thing to me.”

This focus on openness and emotional well-being contrasts with authoritarian approaches that rely more heavily on strict obedience and consequences for misbehavior. Kelce believes children should feel empowered to express themselves freely without fear of punishment.

In terms of rules and discipline, Kelce takes a very hands-off approach. He aims to set minimal boundaries and guidelines for his children while allowing plenty of freedom for exploration, play, and making their own choices. When issues do arise, Kelce’s preferred method is positive reinforcement and discussion of natural consequences rather than harsh punishments.

“I try not to be too overbearing with rules for my kids. They’re going to make mistakes as they learn and grow, that’s natural,” Kelce said. “I want them to feel trusted and respected rather than controlled.”

Overall, Kelce’s philosophy centers on open communication, prioritizing emotional well-being, limited rules and consequences, and giving children independence to learn through experiences – both positive and negative. But are there benefits to this very lenient style, and what potential challenges might it present?

## Potential Benefits of a Lenient Approach

Proponents argue that Kelce’s parenting method could foster several advantages for children’s healthy development:

### Stronger Parent-Child Bond

When children feel truly listened to and supported unconditionally, it can strengthen the bond of trust between parent and child. Open dialogue and focusing on happiness may help children feel secure in openly communicating with their parents.

### Increased Independence and Self-Reliance

By allowing more freedom to make their own choices and experience natural consequences, children are empowered to become increasingly self-sufficient. They learn critical life skills like independence, responsibility, and self-advocacy from a young age.

### Improved Problem-Solving and Decision Making

Navigating the outcomes of their own decisions, without parents intervening or enforcing strict rules, helps children develop stronger critical thinking abilities. They must evaluate situations and find solutions on their own accord.

### Enhanced Creativity and Exploration

With ample freedom to explore their interests through play and experimentation, children are able to discover innate talents and passions. They face fewer restrictions in tapping into their natural curiosity and creativity.

### Avoidance of Power Struggles

When children feel respected and trusted, they may be less inclined to rebel or challenge authority. There is cooperation rather than conflict in the parent-child dynamic.

These potential advantages suggest that Jason Kelce’s lenient approach could set children up for greater independence, self-confidence, and life skills if implemented appropriately. But no parenting style is without challenges.

## Potential Drawbacks of a Lenient Approach

Critics argue that Kelce’s very hands-off philosophy could also present some disadvantages:

### Lack of Structure and Clear Boundaries

Without consistent rules and limits, children may feel confused, insecure or unsure of appropriate behavior. Structure provides children with stability and a sense of safety.

### Difficulty with Discipline and Enforcing Consequences

When consequences are not clearly defined, enforcing them consistently could be challenging for parents. Children may learn they can avoid accountability.

### Risk of Negative Outcomes or Dangerous Behavior

Complete freedom without oversight leaves more room for risky decision making, especially during adolescence. Children require guidance to avoid potential harm.

### Delayed Responsibility and Immaturity

Some experts argue that too much leniency could enable avoidance of responsibility and hinder maturity development long term.

### Resentment Towards Authority Figures

Without proper discipline experience, children may struggle to respect necessary authority outside the home as adults.

### Potential for Spoiling or Entitlement

An overemphasis on happiness and lack of consequences could foster selfishness, entitlement attitudes, or difficulty with delayed gratification.

While Jason Kelce aims to empower his children, the drawbacks suggest this very lenient approach requires careful implementation and balance to avoid potential pitfalls. As with any parenting style, context is crucial.

## Tailoring to Individual Needs

It’s important to note that no single parenting method works equally well for all families or children. Individual temperaments, developmental stages, and home environments must all be considered.

Kelce’s philosophy may be highly effective for some open-minded, self-motivated children but prove detrimental for others who need firmer guidance. Ultimately, the most important factors are ensuring a child’s safety, well-being and healthy adjustment – which may require flexibility across parenting tactics.

Regular evaluation of outcomes is also wise to determine what’s working well and where adjustments could benefit family dynamics. Open communication between parents allows navigating the challenges together. With nuance and modification over time, the potential downsides of any approach can be minimized.

## Conclusion

Jason Kelce has attracted attention for his nontraditional, very lenient parenting philosophy that prioritizes open communication, limited rules, and allowing children freedom to explore and learn independently. While this approach aims to foster greater trust, independence and self-reliance in children, it also presents risks if not carefully implemented and tailored to individual needs.

Overall, Kelce’s style demonstrates that there is no single right way to parent effectively. Understanding different philosophies, along with their pros and cons, provides valuable perspective on the diversity of approaches and importance of flexibility over rigid methods. With openness to modification, balance, clear communication and ensuring children’s well-being, even less conventional tactics like Kelce’s could succeed when adapted appropriately for individual families and stages of development.

There’s one — and only one man — who is spared any torture on the new Taylor Swift album.

And, of course, that’s Travis Kelce — the Super Bowl champ sweetheart of the pop superstar.

In fact, getting love from the 34-year-old singer on her highly anticipated 11th studio LP — “The Tortured Poets Department,” which dropped on Friday — might be an even bigger win than getting that Super Bowl ring.

“The Alchemy” is a sexy slow dance that is unabashedly about Kelce, with Swift staking claim to her stud.

“So when I touch down all that matters/Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team/Ditch the clowns, get the crown/Baby I’m the one to beat/’Cause the sign on your heart said it’s still reserved for me.”

All right now, Miss Tay.

As if there was doubt about just who she was putting on lock, the Swift — who famously dashed into her boo’s arms for an iconic smooch when his Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers in February — later adds, “Where’s the trophy? He just comes running over to me.”

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at the AFC Championship NFL football game in January 2024.AP

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kissed at XS Nightclub as the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl win.Mike Kirschbaum/Wynn Las Vegas / MEGA
The couple began dating last summer and went public with their relationship in September 2023.

Swift has not been shy about her romance with Kelce, ratcheting up the TV ratings for the NFL when she cheered on her boyfriend from the stands at multiple games.

“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,” Swift told Time in December, when she was named the magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce vacation on Harbour Island, Bahamas on March 21, 2024.Mega/BackGrid
“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,” she added. “We’re just proud of each other.”

And during her Eras Tour stop in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November, Swift switched up the lyrics to “Karma” for her man.

“Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me,” she sang to an adorable reaction from Kelce, who was in attendance at the concert.

Taylor Swift dropped her 11th studio album on Friday.Beth Garrabrant
“I might have had a little bit of a clue, but definitely when I heard it come out of her mouth, [it] still shocked me,” Kelce said on his “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce” podcast.“I was like, ‘Oh, she really just said that.’” 

Score!

The Unlikely “King” of Philadelphia

Jason Kelce has established himself as one of the greatest centers in Philadelphia Eagles history. Entering his 12th NFL season in 2022, Kelce has been a mainstay on the Eagles offensive line and a cornerstone of the team’s success over the past decade. However, Kelce’s accomplishments and leadership have often gone underappreciated on a national level. While he lacks the flashy individual stats or awards of superstar quarterbacks and skill position players, Kelce’s steady excellence in the trenches and impact in the locker room make him worthy of recognition as “King” in Philadelphia.

Kelce has been a model of consistency and durability since becoming the Eagles’ starting center in 2013. In the nine full seasons since, he has started 127 out of a possible 128 regular season games. Kelce’s ironman streak of consecutive starts ended only due to injury in 2021, highlighting just how reliable he has been in the middle of the Eagles’ offensive line for the better part of a decade. His steady presence and veteran leadership up front have allowed the Eagles offense to develop continuity and chemistry over the years.

Beyond just showing up and doing his job on Sundays, Kelce has also established himself as one of the premier pass blocking centers in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Kelce has not allowed a sack since 2016 – an incredible streak of over 75 games without giving up quarterback pressure up the middle. His combination of technique, strength, and football IQ make him nearly impossible to beat one-on-one in pass protection. Kelce’s ability to protect Carson Wentz and now Jalen Hurts has been a major factor in the Eagles’ offensive success in recent seasons.

In the running game, Kelce is equally dominant. He is renowned around the league for his ability to make accurate line calls and adjustments pre-snap based on the defense’s alignment. Post-snap, Kelce is a mauler who drives defenders off the ball with power and leverage. The Eagles have consistently ranked among the NFL’s best rushing attacks with Kelce anchoring their zone blocking schemes. From LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles to Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, Eagles running backs have thrived running behind Kelce’s blocks over the years.

While individual stats and awards don’t tell the full story of an offensive lineman’s impact, Kelce’s accolades are impressive. He has earned five Pro Bowl selections from 2014-2018, a rare honor for a center. Kelce was also named First Team All-Pro in 2014 and Second Team All-Pro in 2017-2018. These honors recognize him among the best at his position during those seasons. Most notably, Kelce was a key part of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII in 2017-2018 – the franchise’s first ever championship. His leadership and blocking helped power Philadelphia to an upset victory over the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.

Beyond the stats and honors, Kelce’s greatest contributions to the Eagles may come in the locker room and film room. He is renowned around the league for his football IQ, work ethic, and ability to command respect as a leader. Kelce takes complete ownership of the offensive line’s performance and sets the standard for preparation and attention to detail. His vocal, energetic style keeps his teammates focused, accountable and firing on all cylinders. Kelce has also become one of the faces of the franchise, famously delivering his now-legendary Super Bowl parade speech that captured the city of Philadelphia. Eagles players consistently cite Kelce as the heartbeat and emotional leader of the team.

While Kelce’s individual stats and accolades alone may not stack up to more heralded offensive stars, his overall body of work and intangible leadership qualities make him deserving of recognition. Entering his 12th season in 2022, Kelce is still performing at an elite level on the field in his early 30s. Off the field, he has become an ambassador for the city and franchise. Kelce embodies the blue-collar, gritty identity that Philadelphia sports fans hold dear. Though not flashy, he is the definition of consistency, toughness and reliability – traits that have helped establish a winning culture in Philadelphia.

Some have questioned if Kelce truly deserves nicknames like “King” that seem to be reserved for historic careers with countless awards and records. However, the impact of leadership and setting the right example can be just as important to team success, if not more so, than individual honors. By anchoring the Eagles’ offensive line and leading by example both on and off the field for over a decade, Kelce has earned the right to be crowned Philadelphia’s “King.”

While he lacks the glamour and spotlight of superstar skill position players, Kelce’s greatness lies in his steady excellence in the trenches – the part of football few fans notice but teams cannot succeed without. For an undersized center who went undrafted out of Cincinnati to carve out such a long, decorated career speaks volumes about his work ethic, football IQ, and toughness. Kelce has left an indelible mark on Eagles history and shown future generations what it truly means to be a professional. That type of intangible leadership is every bit as worthy of recognition as flashy stats or awards.

So while Kelce may not rack up MVP trophies or hold NFL records, his impact on the Eagles franchise and city of Philadelphia over the past decade makes him more than deserving of being called “King.” His steady reliability in the trenches and locker room fire have been driving forces behind the team’s sustained success. Kelce is the heart and soul of Philadelphia football, and his greatness lies not in individual honors but in being the steady heartbeat of a champion. For that, he will always have a crown as one of the city’s greatest sports heroes. The “King of Philadelphia” title is richly deserved for Jason Kelce and what he has brought to the Eagles franchise.

Jason Kelce: The Reluctant Superstar

Jason Kelce cemented his legacy as one of the greatest centers in NFL history during his 11-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. From 2011 to 2021, Kelce anchored the Eagles’ offensive line and helped lead the team to numerous playoff appearances and their first ever Super Bowl victory in 2018. However, despite achieving superstar status on the football field, Kelce has always maintained a humble, down-to-earth personality that shuns the spotlight in favor of family, humor, and hard work.

When Kelce announced his retirement in January 2022, the Eagles honored him with a heartfelt ceremony at Lincoln Financial Field. But rather than bask in the praise and adulation, Kelce used his retirement speech to express how much he would miss being the underdog. “I’m going to miss the feeling of being counted out,” Kelce told the crowd. “I’m going to miss the feeling of people not thinking we can do something. That’s just who I am.”

Kelce’s preference for the underdog role provides insight into his mentality. Throughout his career, he played with a chip on his shoulder, constantly seeking to prove doubters wrong. Even after achieving team and individual success, Kelce still saw himself that way. The constant attention that comes with superstardom did not appeal to him in the same way. Kelce found satisfaction from hard work and perseverance rather than accolades and fame.

This underdog mentality was fostered from an early age. Growing up in Ohio, Kelce was overlooked by major college programs and ended up walking on at the University of Cincinnati. He worked his way from scout team player to team captain and All-American center. Kelce then slid to the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft due to concerns about his size at just 6’3″. But through relentless preparation, Kelce became a mainstay in Philadelphia while bigger names came and went.

Kelce’s retirement speech also gave insight into what he values most – his family. He fought back tears speaking about his parents, wife, and children in attendance. “I want to thank my family for all of their support. It’s been an amazing ride and I’m so thankful and so blessed,” Kelce said. Throughout Kelce’s career, news articles highlighted moments that demonstrated his commitment to family above all else.

In 2019, Kelce skipped the Eagles’ ring ceremony to attend his brother’s wedding. The same year, he left the Eagles’ bye week trip to attend his daughter’s birth. And after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory, one of the first things Kelce did was find his wife and kids in the stands to celebrate with them. Even during his playing days, Kelce was not one to chase the Hollywood lifestyle or spend excessive time in the spotlight. He preferred quiet family time at home in Philadelphia.

Kelce also maintains a lighthearted approach to his newfound fame that shows a level of comfort but not obsession. During his retirement speech, Kelce announced an endorsement deal with soap company Dove Men+Care, quipping that they were his “new love.” The silly sponsorship nod demonstrated Kelce’s ability to find humor even in serious moments. He similarly entertained reporters with amusing anecdotes and thoughtful perspective during his media sessions over the years.

This sense of humor allows Kelce to embrace attention on his own nonchalant terms rather than shy away completely. But it also indicates Kelce’s priorities lie elsewhere. He does not take himself too seriously as a celebrity and is content operating mostly under the radar. The humor is a mechanism to deflect praise rather than chase it. Kelce would rather let his play do the talking.

And talk it did, as Kelce established himself as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. But what’s most impressive is that he did it by sheer force of will according to those close to him. At just 6’3″, Kelce had no business becoming a perennial All-Pro in the trenches of the NFL. But through relentless study of the game and taking extreme care of his body, Kelce willed himself to greatness.

Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson recalled being blown away the first time he saw Kelce in the weight room as a rookie. “This guy is an animal,” Pederson thought to himself. Kelce’s work ethic, dedication to his craft, and commitment to constant self-improvement is what fueled his rise and longevity in the league. While others may chase accolades, Kelce found his joy and satisfaction from the grind, from putting in extra time that others were not willing to.

Kelce’s workmanlike mentality shone through even during games. Despite his physical limitations, Kelce played with a controlled fury and violence on every snap. He left it all on the field for 60 minutes, leading destructive blocks and punishing would-be tacklers. Kelce played with a controlled rage borne from years of proving people wrong in the weight room and film room. It was this mindset that allowed an undersized lineman to impose his will against some of the NFL’s biggest and baddest defenders.

After retiring, Kelce said he would miss the feeling of gamedays the most. “There’s nothing like running out of that tunnel and hearing that crowd on gameday,” Kelce reflected. But he maintained it was simply time to close the chapter after 11 seasons of giving his all. Kelce accomplished everything he set out to do on the field and seemed at peace with walking away while still near the top of his game. He was ready for a new challenge.

In the year since his retirement, Kelce has remained relatively out of the spotlight. He can be spotted at Eagles games cheering on his former teammates but does not seek the cameras. Kelce also started a podcast to share his football knowledge but keeps the discussions focused on X’s and O’s rather than his own celebrity. He even rejected overtures from ESPN to join their broadcasting team full-time, preferring family life to a hectic media schedule.

Kelce is content to let his legacy do the talking as one of the greatest underdog stories the NFL has ever seen. He achieved superstardom through perseverance, preparation, and performance rather than hype or ego. While many players get lost chasing fame and fortune, Kelce maintained perspective by prioritizing values like family, humor, and a blue-collar work ethic throughout his career. He succeeded in redefining what’s possible for an undersized lineman and cemented his Hall of Fame credentials. But Kelce did it all without losing sight of who he was – a humble grinder from Ohio who played with a chip on his shoulder. That down-to-earth attitude is part of what makes Jason Kelce’s story so inspirational.