In a wild turn of events on Saturday, former NFL star and current podcast host Jason Kelce found himself in the middle of an unfortunate confrontation while visiting Pennsylvania State University. The retired Philadelphia Eagles center, known for his straight-talking personality, was headed to the highly anticipated Ohio State-Penn State college football game when he was accosted by a heckler outside Beaver Stadium. The encounter, which was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, showcased both Kelce’s patience and his breaking point.
It all started as Kelce made his way through the crowd, surrounded by fans and onlookers. But one particular college student chose to shadow him, phone-camera in hand, with the goal of sparking controversy and, likely, going viral.
In the video, the heckler can be heard taunting Kelce with a crass comment aimed at his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who’s currently dating pop icon Taylor Swift. The heckler sneered, “Kelce, how does it feel that your brother is a [slur] for dating Taylor Swift?”
Initially, Jason appeared to brush it off. But the harassment continued, with the heckler getting uncomfortably close and filming Kelce’s every step. Finally, after enduring enough of the unprovoked insults, Kelce snapped, grabbing the phone from the heckler’s hand and smashing it to the ground. A second clip shows him picking up the phone, likely to return it to its owner, when the heckler crossed a line: he shoved the former NFL player to the ground.
Kelce’s response was quick and cutting. Rising back to his feet, he reportedly looked straight at the heckler and shot back, “Who’s the [slur] now?” before turning to continue his day. And social media exploded with support, with many people rallying behind Kelce and his show of restraint—until he’d had enough.
One user’s comment summarized the general sentiment: “Good for Jason Kelce. Can’t say bulls*** and not expect a response.” Another user added, “Jason Kelce just took a stand for normal men against the ‘idiots who have become way too comfortable saying ridiculous s*** to people who can actually kick their a**’ crowd.”
Others on social media raised a larger point about accountability, reflecting on the fact that these days, people can say anything online or in person without facing repercussions. One person commented, “In the old days, with no phones and social media, what do you think would have really happened?! People are losers for this crap.”
Jason Kelce smashes the phone of some homophobic loser to bits after he decided to talk s**t on his brother and Taylor Swift right in front of him.
What an icon.pic.twitter.com/HMKRP2iYLB
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) November 2, 2024
Kelce’s appearance at the Ohio State-Penn State game was tied to his role as an ESPN sports analyst and a guest on “College Gameday”, People magazine reported. Since retiring from the Eagles in early 2024, he’s co-hosted the “New Heights” podcast with his brother Travis, giving fans an inside look at life in and out of the NFL.
In the end, this interaction was a reminder that even the most patient of people have their limits. And for Jason Kelce, this wasn’t about the spotlight or the potential for a viral moment; it was about standing up for himself and his family in the face of a brazen provocation.
