Who are the Kelce Brothers? Jason and Travis Kelce are two of the most recognizable names in the NFL. Raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, these brothers have carved out legendary careers in football. Jason, born in 1987, played as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, while Travis, born in 1989, shines as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Their journey from high school athletes to NFL stars is filled with dedication, hard work, and family support. They even made history by becoming the first brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl. Let's dive into 50 fascinating facts about these remarkable siblings.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and both achieved NFL success. Their strong family support and historic Super Bowl appearance have left a lasting impact on the NFL.
- Jason and Travis Kelce, NFL stars, have set records and achieved significant milestones in their careers. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, showcasing the power of hard work and dedication.
Early Life and Family Background
The Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, have an inspiring story that begins in their hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Their upbringing laid the foundation for their future success in the NFL.
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Birthplace and Age: Jason Kelce was born on November 5, 1987, in North Carolina, while Travis Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio. Jason is 35 years old, and Travis is 33 years old.
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Early Life: Both brothers grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where their father, Ed Kelce, worked in the steel industry, and their mother, Donna Kelce, was a bank executive.
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High School Years: Jason and Travis attended Cleveland Heights High School. Jason was a standout athlete, playing both running back and linebacker on the football team, while Travis played basketball, soccer, and football.
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Family Background: Their father, Ed Kelce, has a significant military background, with many family members serving in the military. Their mother, Donna Kelce, was a bank executive and is known for her support of both sons during their NFL careers.
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Marital Status of Parents: Ed and Donna Kelce were married for nearly 25 years before divorcing after their sons graduated from college.
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Divorce Impact: Despite the divorce, Donna Kelce has stated that she has no ill will towards Ed Kelce and considers him an important person in her life.
College Years and Early Careers
Both brothers attended the University of Cincinnati, where they began to make a name for themselves in college football.
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College Years: The brothers both attended the University of Cincinnati, where they played for the Bearcats football team. Jason initially redshirted but eventually became a key player on the offensive line, while Travis played tight end and quarterback out of the Wildcat formation.
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College Statistics: Jason made 13 starts at left guard in 2008 and played in nine games in 2007. Travis redshirted in 2008, appeared in 11 games in 2009, and was suspended for the 2010 season due to marijuana use.
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College Achievements: Travis earned first-team all-conference honors in his final collegiate season. He set personal season highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (722), yards per reception (16.0), and receiving touchdowns (8).
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College Football Performance Awards: Travis was named the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year in 2013.
NFL Draft and Professional Careers
The Kelce brothers' transition from college to the NFL marked the beginning of their illustrious professional careers.
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NFL Draft: Jason was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft, while Travis was picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.
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NFL Careers: Jason spent his entire 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro honors. Travis has played for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, winning three Super Bowls (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) and earning nine Pro Bowl selections and seven First-Team All-Pro honors.
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Super Bowl Wins: Jason won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles in 2017. Travis won Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII with the Chiefs.
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Pro Bowl Appearances: Jason has been a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Travis has been a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
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First-Team All-Pro Honors: Jason has received six First-Team All-Pro honors. Travis has received seven First-Team All-Pro honors.
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NFL Records: Travis holds the NFL record for most consecutive and overall seasons with 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end: seven. He also holds the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,416 yards in 2020.
Historic Super Bowl LVII
The Kelce brothers made history by becoming the first brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl.
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NFL Milestone: The Kelce brothers became the first brothers to play each other in the Super Bowl during Super Bowl LVII in 2023.
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Super Bowl LVII Game: The game saw the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Chiefs winning 38-35. Jason Kelce was emotional after the game, reuniting with his mother on the field.
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Post-Super Bowl Fame: Both brothers experienced significant fame after the Super Bowl, with Travis's relationship with Taylor Swift gaining widespread attention. Jason announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2024.
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Historic Game: The game between the Eagles and Chiefs during Super Bowl LVII was dubbed the "Kelce Bowl" by fans. It marked the first time that brothers had played each other in the Super Bowl, making it a historic moment in NFL history.
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Post-Game Reactions: After the game, Jason was seen getting emotional as he reunited with his mother on the field. Travis celebrated the win with his teammates and the Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes.
Personal Lives and Family Support
The Kelce brothers have always had strong family support, which has played a crucial role in their success.
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Brotherly Rivalry: Despite being on opposite sides of the field during Super Bowl LVII, the brothers have a close relationship and enjoy working together. They have been known to support each other both on and off the field.
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Family Traditions: The Kelce family has a strong tradition of supporting each other in their endeavors. Donna Kelce is famous for wearing split jerseys and other merchandise to support both sons during the NFL season.
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Preschool Incidents: Both Jason and Travis were kicked out of preschool for various reasons. Jason recalled an incident involving sporks, while Travis was known for being the instigator in many situations.
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Father's Influence: Ed Kelce has been a significant influence on both sons, encouraging them to pursue their passion for football. He has also shared stories about his military background and family history on their podcast, New Heights.
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Mother's Support: Donna Kelce has been a constant source of support for both sons throughout their careers. She has been involved in various charity events and has been recognized for her dedication to her sons.
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Brotherly Bond: The bond between Jason and Travis is strong, despite their competitive nature on the field. They have often spoken about how they support each other both on and off the field.
Media and Business Ventures
Beyond football, the Kelce brothers have ventured into media and business, expanding their influence.
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Podcasting Career: The brothers co-host a podcast called New Heights, where they discuss their playing careers and various other topics.
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Merchandise and Pop Culture: Travis's relationship with Taylor Swift has inspired merchandise, making him a pop culture sensation. Jason and Travis have also appeared on Saturday Night Live together.
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ESPN Appearance: Jason joined the ESPN Monday Night Countdown pregame crew in 2024, continuing his involvement in football beyond his playing career.
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Business Ventures: The brothers have ventured into business, co-hosting the New Heights podcast and potentially exploring other entrepreneurial opportunities. Their podcast has been well-received, offering fans a unique glimpse into their lives and careers.
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Media Appearances: The brothers have appeared on various media outlets, including Saturday Night Live and ESPN. They have also been featured in numerous articles and interviews, discussing their careers and personal lives.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Jason and Travis Kelce have used their platforms to give back to their communities and support various causes.
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Community Involvement: Both Jason and Travis have been involved in various community events and charity initiatives. They have used their platforms to give back to their communities and support causes close to their hearts.
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Philanthropy: Both Jason and Travis have been involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as education and healthcare. They have used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for important social issues.
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Family Legacy: The Kelce family has left a lasting legacy in the world of football, with both sons becoming NFL legends. Their parents, Ed and Donna, have been instrumental in their success, providing unwavering support throughout their careers.
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Community Impact: The brothers have had a significant impact on their communities, both through their charitable work and their involvement in local events. They have used their platforms to give back to society, supporting causes that are close to their hearts.
Achievements and Records
The Kelce brothers have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones throughout their careers.
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High School Achievements: Travis was a three-year letter winner as quarterback for Cleveland Heights High School. He set personal records in high school with 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year.
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Final Season Highlights: In his final season, Jason broke the Eagles record for most consecutive starts, previously held by Jon Runyan. He received Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors for the 2023 season.
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NFL Records: Travis holds the NFL record for most consecutive and overall seasons with 1,000 receiving yards by a tight end: seven. He also holds the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season with 1,416 yards in 2020.
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First-Team All-Pro Honors: Jason has received six First-Team All-Pro honors. Travis has received seven First-Team All-Pro honors.
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Pro Bowl Appearances: Jason has been a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Travis has been a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
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Super Bowl Wins: Jason won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles in 2017. Travis won Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII with the Chiefs.
Future Plans and Legacy
As their careers evolve, the Kelce brothers continue to make an impact both on and off the field.
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Retirement Announcement: Jason announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2024, ending a 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Future Plans: Travis is looking to add another Super Bowl ring to his collection, aiming to win a third championship with the Kansas City Chiefs. Jason has announced his retirement but continues to be involved in the football community through his podcast and media appearances.
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Legacy in Football: The Kelce brothers have left an indelible mark on the NFL, with their achievements and contributions to the sport being remembered for generations to come. They have inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success at the highest level.
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Future Generations: The Kelce brothers are setting a high standard for future generations of athletes, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Their legacy will continue to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
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Historical Significance: The game between the Eagles and Chiefs during Super Bowl LVII was not only a significant moment for the brothers but also for the NFL. It marked the first time that brothers had played each other in the Super Bowl, making it a historic moment in sports history.
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Emotional Reactions: The game was emotionally charged for both brothers, with Jason getting emotional after the loss and Travis celebrating the win with his teammates. The reunion between Jason and his mother on the field was particularly poignant, highlighting the strong bond between the family members.
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Fan Support: Both Jason and Travis have a strong fan base, with fans often comparing them to other iconic brotherly duos in sports history. Their games have been highly anticipated, with many fans tuning in to see the brothers face off against each other.
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Fan Engagement: The Kelce brothers have a strong connection with their fans, often engaging with them on social media and at public events. Their fans have been instrumental in their success, providing unwavering support throughout their careers.
The Kelce Brothers' Legacy
Jason and Travis Kelce have carved out remarkable careers in the NFL. From their early days in Cleveland Heights to their college years at the University of Cincinnati, their journey is a testament to hard work and family support. Jason, a stalwart for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Travis, a dynamic force for the Kansas City Chiefs, have both achieved incredible success, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl victories.
Their historic face-off in Super Bowl LVII, where they became the first brothers to play against each other in the big game, highlighted their unique bond. Beyond football, they've ventured into podcasting with New Heights, sharing insights and stories from their careers.
The Kelce brothers' legacy extends beyond the field, inspiring future generations and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Their story is one of dedication, resilience, and family unity.
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