How Jason Kelce Used His Gaze to Dominate Opponents

 

Jason Kelce has established himself as one of the best centers in NFL history during his 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. The five-time Pro Bowler is known for his tenacious work ethic, leadership qualities, and aggressive style of play. However, one aspect of Kelce’s game that often goes underappreciated is his mastery of using his gaze to gain an advantage over defenders. Through staring down opponents before and after the snap, Kelce is able to identify weaknesses, create confusion, and establish dominance—all without saying a word. His gaze has become a psychological weapon that opponents fear.

## Pre-Snap Gaze

One of the most important parts of Kelce’s pre-snap routine is establishing eye contact with defenders across the line of scrimmage. In the seconds before the ball is snapped, Kelce will intently stare down players trying to pick up on any tells or tendencies. “I’m looking for hesitation, uncertainty, or if they lean too far one way before the play even starts,” Kelce explained. “If I see something in their eyes, it gives me an idea of where they might go after the snap.”

This pre-snap analysis allows Kelce to adjust his blocking assignments on the fly. For example, in a 2020 game against the New York Giants, Kelce noticed defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence shifting his weight to the left side of his body before the snap on multiple plays. Kelce deduced that Lawrence was planning to rush in that direction and prepared himself to block to the right. Sure enough, after the snap Lawrence attacked left, leaving a gaping hole for Kelce to fill and help spring running back Miles Sanders for a 20-yard touchdown.

Kelce’s laser-like focus in those few seconds before the snap has also helped draw opponents offsides. In one notable instance during the 2018 season against the Dallas Cowboys, Kelce stared down emerging linebacker Leighton Vander Esch until Vander Esch nervously jumped across the line of scrimmage, giving the Eagles a free five yards. Eagles quarterbacks have even learned to take advantage, hard-counting defenses while Kelce intimidatingly glares at a target player. This dynamic has contributed to Philly ranking among the league leaders in opponent offsides penalties for multiple seasons.

## Dominating During the Snap

Once the football is snapped, Kelce immediately transfers his focus to engaging and overpowering his assignment. But he still finds ways to leverage his gaze even in the midst of combat. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland said, “Jason has a gift for being able to look one way with his eyes and block the other. It’s like a matador with the bull.”

Kelce will intentionally stare in one direction before the snap to draw a defender’s eyes (and sometimes body) that way as well. Then at the instant of the snap, Kelce pivots his head back to engage the actual threat while also blocking with his eyes still looking elsewhere. This subtle head fake leaves defenders flat-footed or hesitating for just a moment—all the time Kelce needs to gain leverage and control.

One prime example came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. At the snap, Kelce stared left at defensive tackle Vita Vea but immediately blocked Vea with his eyes still looking left. The head fake and Kelce’s powerful initial punch stunned Vea, who was overwhelmed and taken out of the play. Running back Corey Clement was then able to burst through the gap for a 20-yard gain. Plays like this show how Kelce’s mastery of gaze helps him dominate even in the trenches during live action.

## Post-Snap Intimidation

After the handoff or pass, Kelce keeps his eyes upfield to continue surveying the field, looking for any late blitzers or potential threats. But he also finds ways to leverage his gaze post-snap for psychological advantages. Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said, “I’ve seen Jason stare down guys when they’re on the ground after a play and it’s honestly kind of scary. He’s trying to send a message.”

Indeed, Kelce has developed a reputation for intimidatingly staring down opponents even after taking them to the turf. One notable instance came against Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat in 2021. After driving Sweat back with a powerful block, Kelce maintained eye contact with Sweat as he laid dazed on the ground. The prolonged stare seemed to unnerve Sweat, who was subdued for the rest of the game.

This post-play intimidation has taken on new meaning in recent years as Kelce has evolved into more of a veteran leader for Philadelphia’s offensive line. He wants to establish that he and his teammates will not be pushed around. The message is clear—if you go against the Eagles, you’ll have to deal with Kelce’s unyielding gaze and physical style of play for 60 minutes. Opponents have taken notice, with some openly admitting they dread having to line up across from the five-time Pro Bowler each week.

## Impact and Legacy

Over his illustrious 11-year career thus far, Kelce’s mastery of using his eyes to gain advantages has been a significant factor in his individual success and the Eagles’ team achievements. He has started every game at center for Philadelphia since 2013 and been selected to the Pro Bowl in five consecutive seasons from 2016-2020. The Eagles have also won the NFC East division title four times during Kelce’s career.

Looking back, it’s amazing to consider all that Kelce has been able to accomplish without saying a single word. Through mere eye contact and facial expressions, he establishes dominance on opponents, identifies weaknesses, draws offsides penalties, and intimidates even after the whistle. In a sense, Kelce’s eyes have their own language of intimidation, analysis, and control. As the 34-year old veteran enters his 12th NFL season, his gaze remains as sharp as ever—a testament to his football IQ and willingness to maximize every element of his game. When Kelce decides to hang up his cleats, he will leave behind a legacy as one of the fiercest and most cerebral linemen to ever play the game. But more than stats or accolades, opponents may remember his unforgettable eyes the most.