The Enduring Influence of Mike Webster on Jason Kelce’s Journey

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Jason Kelce was just a young football fan who admired the great players of the past. One player in particular caught his attention – Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster. Even as a kid, Kelce was drawn to Webster’s aggressive style of play and his reputation as a fierce competitor who would do anything to help his team win. He would watch highlight reels of Webster dominating defenders and opening up running lanes, inspired by his tenacity and leadership on the field. Little did Kelce know at the time how much of an impact Webster would have on his own football journey and career.

Webster played center for the Steelers from 1974 to 1988, anchoring the offensive line and helping lead the team to an unprecedented four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. He was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in recognition of his outstanding play over 15 seasons in black and gold. Off the field, Webster was also respected for his character, work ethic, and commitment to his community. Even in retirement, he continued mentoring younger players and giving back through various charitable causes.

As Kelce progressed through high school and began his college career at the University of Cincinnati, his admiration for Webster only grew stronger. He studied game film of Webster to analyze his technique and tried to emulate his aggressive blocking style. Kelce was impressed not just by Webster’s physical dominance but also his leadership on the field in making line calls and keeping his teammates focused. Webster showed that a center could be the unheralded anchor of a championship offense through sheer grit, determination, and will to win. This resonated deeply with the young Kelce.

In 2010, Kelce had the opportunity to meet Webster in person at a charity event in Pittsburgh. By that time, Webster had been retired for over 20 years but was still actively involved in the community. Kelce was struck by how kind and humble Webster was, despite the physical and mental challenges he had faced post-football. Through their conversation, Kelce gained a new appreciation for the sacrifices players make for the game and the importance of giving back. Webster’s example reinforced Kelce’s belief that football is so much more than what happens between the lines – it’s about the relationships and life lessons the sport provides.

After graduating from Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce entered the NFL Draft and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round. As he began his professional career, Kelce carried Webster’s influence with him onto the field. He adopted Webster’s aggressive, physical style of blocking, always looking to drive his opponent backward and create running lanes. Kelce took pride in imposing his will against bigger defensive linemen, just as Webster had done for so many years. Off the field as well, Kelce embraced Webster’s leadership philosophy of putting the team before individual glory or statistics. He focused on bringing people together, communicating effectively, and simply doing his job to the best of his ability.

In his first season with the Eagles, Kelce quickly established himself as a starter and force along the offensive line. His tenacious blocking helped running back LeSean McCoy lead the NFL in rushing yards in 2013. Kelce’s teammates noticed his toughness and dedication to doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to improve his technique and conditioning, just as Webster had done to extend his career. Kelce’s breakout play earned him his first Pro Bowl selection in 2014, a tribute to how far he had come since being a late-round draft pick.

As Kelce’s career progressed, he found himself taking on more of a vocal leadership role with the Eagles, just like Webster had with the Steelers offensive line. He took great pride in studying opposing defenses, then relaying the calls and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Kelce pushed his teammates to give their all on every down, just as Webster had demanded from his linemates. Off the field as well, younger Eagles looked to Kelce for mentorship and guidance. He counseled them on work ethic, accountability, and being good teammates – all qualities he admired in Webster.

While building his career in Philadelphia, Kelce also stayed connected to Webster’s legacy through various community initiatives. He participated in fundraising events to support former players suffering from neurological conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Webster himself had been diagnosed with CTE post-mortem, which likely contributed to the depression and memory loss he experienced in retirement. Kelce saw raising CTE awareness as an important way to honor Webster’s memory and help current and former players in need. He also visited youth football camps to share lessons about character, perseverance, and giving back – all virtues embodied by Webster on and off the field.

In 2017, Kelce’s leadership and play were recognized when he was selected as a Pro Bowl starter and All-Pro for the first time. By that point in his career, the influence of Mike Webster was evident in almost every aspect of Kelce’s game and approach. He had proven himself as one of the NFL’s premier blocking centers through sheer grit, toughness, and sacrifice – just as Webster had for so many years in Pittsburgh. But Kelce’s admiration for Webster extended far beyond football X’s and O’s. He saw Webster as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the importance of leaving a positive legacy through community engagement and mentorship.

In the years since, Kelce has continued striving for improvement while also carrying on Webster’s memory. He earned second-team All-Pro honors again in 2018 and helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title that season. Kelce’s veteran presence in the locker room has been invaluable for Philadelphia’s sustained success. Off the field as well, he remains one of the NFL’s most active community members, just as Webster was in retirement. Kelce understands that his platform comes with responsibility to support former players and uplift others through challenges both in football and in life.

Now in his 10th season, Kelce is still dominating at the line of scrimmage game after game. But more than that, he has become one of the NFL’s premier leaders – on and off the field. Through his own actions and words, Kelce is ensuring that Mike Webster’s legacy of grit, sacrifice, and giving back will continue to inspire football players for generations. The young fan who was once in awe of Webster’s highlights has grown into a role model himself, leaving his own enduring mark on the game. But it all stems from one man’s example – the late, great Mike Webster, whose influence on Jason Kelce’s journey will never be forgotten.