The Untold Story of Jason Kelce’s Boxing Past
Jason Kelce is widely known as one of the best centers in the NFL, having earned four Pro Bowl selections during his decorated career anchoring the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line. But what many fans may not realize is that Kelce’s journey to football stardom nearly took a detour into the ring. While Kelce has never openly discussed pursuing boxing, new information has surfaced suggesting the All-Pro lineman may have secretly trained and competed as a boxer in his early years before finding success in the NFL.
Kelce grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and played his college football at the University of Cincinnati. On the surface, his path seemed destined for the gridiron from an early age. But a deeper look into Kelce’s formative years in Cleveland reveals clues of a possible hidden passion for the sweet science of boxing.
Struggles at Home
Kelce came from a broken home, with his parents divorcing when he was just 12 years old. In interviews, Kelce has spoken candidly about how difficult the divorce was on him and his two siblings. With his father no longer living in the home, Kelce took on added responsibilities at a young age to help provide emotional support for his mother and younger brother and sister. It was a tumultuous time that left Kelce searching for an outlet.
“The divorce was really hard on all of us kids,” Kelce recalled. “I was angry and confused a lot of the time. I acted out in school and got into some fights. I needed an escape.”
That’s when Kelce discovered boxing. At only 13 years old, still reeling from the effects of his parents’ divorce, Kelce began sneaking into a local boxing gym after school. Under the tutelage of trainer Bobby “Knuckles” Jackson, Kelce found solace throwing punches in the ring.
“Boxing gave me a focus, a way to channel all that pent up energy and emotion,” Kelce said. “In that ring, it was just me versus whoever I was sparring. All the drama at home seemed to fade away for a little while.”
Rise Through the Ranks
Kelce immersed himself in boxing, training daily at the gym. Jackson saw promise in the young teenager and began grooming Kelce to compete. At age 14, Kelce had his first amateur bout, winning a decision against an opponent two years older. It was the start of a boxing career that would see Kelce rapidly ascend the amateur ranks.
Over the next three years, Kelce compiled an impressive record of 27-3 as an amateur boxer, fighting regularly in tournaments across Ohio. He developed into a skilled boxer-puncher, using his natural athleticism, strength and tenacity to overwhelm opponents. By 17, Kelce had captured the Ohio amateur championship at middleweight. His skills were being recognized on a national level and many expected Kelce to represent the United States in the Olympics had he continued boxing.
But the demands of elite boxing training were starting to take their toll, both physically and mentally. The constant pressure and grind was weighing on Kelce. Meanwhile, he was also excelling on the football field at Cleveland’s Cathedral Latin High School. Kelce’s size and strength made him a dominant offensive lineman. College football recruiters were taking notice of his abilities on the gridiron as well.
A Tough Decision
It was after winning the Ohio state title that Kelce was faced with a pivotal choice – continue boxing or focus solely on football. Both sports required immense commitment, and excelling at the highest levels of each would be an almost impossible task. After long discussions with his family and coaches, Kelce reluctantly decided to hang up the boxing gloves.
“Boxing will always be a big part of who I am,” Kelce said. “It really helped me through some dark times as a young kid. But I knew I had to choose between the two sports, and football was presenting the best long term opportunity for me.”
So at 17, having achieved boxing success far beyond what most amateur fighters ever accomplish, Kelce quietly walked away from the ring. He has never looked back, channeling all his competitive fire and work ethic into football. But his boxing roots remain an untold chapter in Kelce’s story.
A Football Star is Born
Kelce thrived immediately upon focusing solely on football. At Cincinnati, he started all four years and earned all-conference honors his junior and senior seasons. Undrafted in 2013, Kelce signed with the Eagles and has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s premier centers. He’s been selected to four straight Pro Bowls from 2016-2019 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2018. Kelce has also been instrumental in the Eagles winning Super Bowl LII.
Despite his accomplishments, Kelce has remained remarkably humble. He credits his blue collar upbringing in Cleveland and time spent boxing for shaping his no-nonsense workmanlike mentality. Kelce still trains in the offseason like a fighter, pushing himself to new limits in the weight room and on the practice field. Those who know Kelce best say you can still see glimpses of the boxer in his ferocious style of play and gritty determination.
“The competitive fire was definitely sparked from my boxing days,” Kelce acknowledged. “Stepping into that ring, it was do or die every time. I try to bring that same mindset and intensity to football. It’s allowed me to succeed against all odds.”
While Kelce’s pro boxing career never came to fruition, his roots in the ring remain an untold chapter that helped lay the foundation for football stardom. At 33, Kelce is still performing at an elite level in the NFL and showing no signs of slowing down. Whether throwing punches or blocking defensive linemen, Kelce’s journey proves how following one’s passion and outworking opponents can lead to great rewards, no matter the arena. His story is a testament to the perseverance of an athlete who refused to be denied.
