Penn State police have issued a statement regarding an incident involving former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce, who smashed a fan’s phone to the ground over the weekend in response to a derogatory remark. The incident occurred as Kelce was on campus to appear on ESPN’s College GameDay.
According to reports, Kelce was walking through a crowd when one individual made a shocking homophobic comment about his brother, Travis Kelce, who has been in the spotlight for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. The fan reportedly called Travis a “f*****” for dating Swift, prompting an immediate reaction from Jason.
In a moment that quickly went viral, Jason Kelce snatched the fan’s phone and threw it to the ground, breaking it. Footage of the altercation shows Kelce picking up the phone and walking away with it, leading the fan to chase after him and shout, “Give me my phone.” Kelce’s response was pointed, as he turned and said, “Who’s the f***** now?”
Despite the dramatic confrontation, campus police told Page Six that no incident report has been filed on the matter. It remains unclear whether the phone belonged to the individual who made the disparaging remark about Travis or if it belonged to someone else in the crowd.
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Kelce, who retired from the NFL earlier this year and has since become an ESPN analyst, received a mixed reaction on social media. Many praised him for defending his brother, with one commenter calling him “an icon” for standing up against the offensive slur. Others, however, were critical of his actions, with Philadelphia media personality Jon Marks of PHLY Sports asserting that Kelce’s behavior was inappropriate.
“Kelce has to realize that his profile is bigger than it ever was as a player,” Marks wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s making big money across multiple platforms, and his brother might marry the biggest pop star ever. He can’t be spiking people’s phones. He needs security to deal with this stuff.”
Kelce’s public profile has certainly grown in recent years, largely due to his brother Travis’s highly publicized romance with Taylor Swift. A source close to the couple told DailyMail.com that they were “really shocked” by the incident, noting that Jason Kelce is typically known as one of the “nicest guys in the world.”
The source went on to explain that Jason’s reaction was fueled by his deep love and respect for his family, including Swift. “The use of the word ‘f*****’ is not okay with him or anyone. This fan crossed the line. Jason will never stand for anyone insulting his family, and he views Taylor as family now,” the source added.
The Kelce brothers have always shared a close bond, and their connection has been further strengthened by Travis’s relationship with Swift. Their dynamic has also played a key role in securing a $100 million deal to produce their “New Heights” podcast, which has become immensely popular with fans. The podcast offers listeners a candid look into the lives of the two brothers, showcasing their humor, camaraderie, and shared love of sports.
Earlier this year, Travis was present at Jason’s emotional retirement press conference, where both brothers shed tears as Jason announced the end of his illustrious NFL career.
The Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer has endeared himself to fans with his relatable personality and penchant for partying, including a memorable moment when he was seen chugging a beer shirtless at a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game last year.
Jason Kelce’s popularity also extends beyond football. He has been seen mingling with fans at events, including a charity fundraiser in South Jersey, where he even took on bartending duties for Eagles supporters.
His everyman persona has made him a cult hero among NFL fans, and many appreciate his willingness to stay connected with the community.
Kelce’s next public appearance is scheduled for Monday night, where he will be heading to Kansas City to watch his brother Travis in action as the Chiefs take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The incident at Penn State has added a new layer of intrigue to the Kelce family’s story, but it is clear that Jason’s loyalty to his family remains unwavering.
As he moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see how he handles his growing public profile and the challenges that come with it.
