Jason Kelce: A Football Star Supported by His Inner Circle

 

Jason Kelce may be one of the best centers in the NFL, but he could not have achieved his success without the support of those closest to him. While he is known for his tenacious play on the field for the Philadelphia Eagles, off the field Kelce relies on a tight-knit group of family and friends to help keep him grounded. Let’s take a look at some of the key people who have helped shape Kelce into the man and player he is today.

Travis Kelce – Brother and Training Partner
One of the most important people in Jason Kelce’s life is his younger brother Travis. The two brothers are extremely close and have supported each other throughout their football careers. Travis followed in Jason’s footsteps by becoming a star tight end in the NFL, currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, their bond started long before making it to the pros.

Jason and Travis grew up in a football family in Cleveland, Ohio. Their father played center in college and ensured his sons learned the fundamentals at a young age. Both boys dreamed of playing in the NFL one day. They spent countless hours in the backyard practicing routes and working on their footwork. Even as they got older and began playing for their high school teams, Jason and Travis continued to train together.

After high school, the brothers attended the University of Cincinnati to continue their football careers. While there, they pushed each other to improve both on and off the field. Jason credits Travis for keeping him motivated during the long college seasons. Their bond helped them thrive in the competitive world of Division I football.

It was a dream come true when both Kelce brothers made it to the NFL. However, their journey was not over. Both needed to prove themselves at the professional level. To this day, Jason and Travis train together every offseason to stay at the top of their game. They push each other through grueling workout regimens, helping keep each other in peak physical condition.

According to Jason, having Travis by his side has been invaluable. “We’ve always had each other’s backs. Growing up, we pushed each other to be better every day. Now in the NFL, that continues. He’s someone I can always count on, through all the ups and downs.” The Kelce brothers’ strong bond exemplifies the importance of family support.

Donovan McNabb – Mentor and Friend
Another key figure who has guided Jason Kelce’s NFL career is former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb was drafted by Philadelphia in 1999, becoming the face of the franchise for over a decade. He took Kelce under his wing when the center first joined the Eagles in 2011.

Even after retiring, McNabb has remained an important mentor for Kelce. As a veteran quarterback, McNabb taught Kelce invaluable lessons about work ethic, leadership, and navigating NFL politics. But their relationship extended beyond football tips – McNabb also provided emotional support and guidance off the field. Kelce credits McNabb with helping him adjust to life in Philadelphia and the pressures of playing in a major market.

To this day, McNabb and Kelce remain close friends. They frequently get together to talk football strategy but also life lessons. According to Kelce, “Donovan taught me what it really means to be a pro. How to lead by example, push yourself to the limit, and handle success and failure. He’s like an older brother to me.” McNabb takes pride in seeing Kelce develop into a team captain for the Eagles.

Their bond shows how mentors can play a pivotal role in a young player’s career. Having someone with McNabb’s experience to rely on helped ease Kelce’s transition to the NFL. It’s clear their friendship goes far beyond just X’s and O’s. McNabb will always be someone Kelce can count on for advice both on and off the field.

LeSean McCoy – Former Teammate Turned Friend
Another key figure from Kelce’s Eagles playing days is running back LeSean McCoy. Known by his nickname “Shady,” McCoy was one of the NFL’s most electrifying backs during his time in Philadelphia from 2009-2014. He and Kelce became fast friends, relying on each other both on the field and off.

As teammates, Kelce and McCoy developed almost a sixth sense, knowing where the other would be on every play. Kelce’s blocking helped spring McCoy for many long touchdown runs. Off the field, they bonded over their Philly roots and love of sports. Kelce says McCoy was like a brother, always looking out for him whether it was advice on football or life in general.

Even after McCoy was traded in 2015, their friendship remained strong. Kelce was heartbroken to see his close friend go but understood it was part of the business. To this day, McCoy remains one of Kelce’s most trusted confidants. Whenever Kelce needs an outside perspective, he calls “Shady.” Their bond shows how teammates can become family over time.

Though their careers have taken different paths since Philadelphia, Kelce and McCoy will always be linked through their time as Eagles. McCoy proudly supports Kelce from afar now and their friendship continues to grow. Former teammates who become lifelong friends provide irreplaceable emotional support in the high-pressure NFL world.

Kylie Kelce – Wife and Rock
One of the most important people in Jason Kelce’s life outside of football is his wife Kylie. The two met in Philadelphia through mutual friends in 2015. At the time, Kylie was working as a professional dancer and model. Though their careers seemed worlds apart, they connected instantly and began dating.

By 2017, Kelce knew Kylie was the one. He proposed in August of that year during a romantic trip to Greece. They married in March 2018 in a beautiful oceanside ceremony in California. Kylie traded in her dancing shoes to focus on being the best wife and mother she could be. She now supports Kelce fully as he continues his NFL career.

According to Kelce, having Kylie’s unconditional love and support is what keeps him grounded amid the pressures of professional football. She keeps him centered on what really matters – their family. Kylie is also his biggest fan, cheering him on from the sidelines at every Eagles home game. During away games, she’s right there with motivational texts and phone calls.

In 2019, Kylie and Jason’s love story grew even deeper with the birth of their daughter Wyatt. Fatherhood has given Kelce a new perspective, making him cherish even more the family support system around him. Kylie is the rock that keeps their family strong through all the ups and downs. She makes sure Kelce can fully focus on his football career, knowing everything else is taken care of.

It’s clear Kylie brings out the best in Kelce both on and off the field. Their strong marriage shows that a supportive wife plays a pivotal role in an athlete’s success. Kylie’s unconditional love has helped Kelce thrive as both a father and player. He is grateful every day for the family they’ve created together.

Wyatt Kelce – Daughter and Motivation
One of the newest – and most precious – additions to Jason Kelce’s inner circle is his baby daughter Wyatt. Born in 2019, Wyatt has brought Kelce a kind of joy he never knew before. She is the light of his life and the driving force behind everything he does.

Kelce plays with a renewed passion, fueled by his desire to provide the best life possible for Wyatt. He pours his heart and soul into football, not just for himself but to make his daughter proud. According to Kelce, becoming a father has given him a new perspective on life. He cherishes every moment both on and off the field, knowing his little girl is watching from the sidelines.

Wyatt also brings Kelce closer than ever to his wife Kylie. He is in awe of Kylie’s strength and dedication as Wyatt’s mother. Their little family of three is bonded by unconditional love. On the toughest football days, all Kelce needs is a smile or hug from Wyatt to forget it all. She fills his life with joy and reminds him what truly matters – family.

Kelce hopes one day when Wyatt is older, she will understand and appreciate all the sacrifices he has made. He wants to be a role model to show her that with hard work and dedication, dreams can come true. Wyatt is his driving force to keep getting up each day and pushing himself to new limits. She will always be his number one fan and supporter from the sidelines.

A Support System to Rely On
As we’ve seen through exploring Jason Kelce’s inner circle, support systems play a pivotal role in an athlete’s success. From his brother Travis who trains with him, to mentor Donovan McNabb, former teammate LeSean McCoy, wife Kylie and daughter Wyatt – Kelce has a strong foundation to rely on. Each person brings a unique kind of guidance and motivation that has helped shape Kelce into the leader he is today.