Jason Kelce recently opened up about a heated altercation with his younger brother, Travis Kelce, during their younger years—an incident that proves even the closest siblings can have intense rivalries. The Kelce brothers, who have become two of the most well-known figures in the NFL, often showcase their strong bond both on and off the field through their popular podcast, New Heights. However, as Jason revealed, their relationship wasn’t always so harmonious, especially during their competitive childhood.
Before they were NFL stars, the Kelce brothers honed their competitive edge at home, where their sibling rivalry sometimes boiled over into physical confrontations. Jason, a Philadelphia Eagles legend who recently announced his retirement after a stellar 13-year career, shared details of one such clash during an appearance on Shaquille O’Neal’s The Big Podcast. The former center recounted a moment when his frustrations got the better of him during a backyard basketball game with Travis.
“We’re out in the backyard, and he starts just driving and doing these stupid shots,” Jason recalled. “He’s making it every single time, and I can’t do anything to stop it. So I resort to fouling him, the only way I know how to stop it.” The fouls didn’t sit well with Travis, who called Jason out. “‘That’s bulls**t, that’s a foul,’ Travis said. I shot back, ‘I don’t see any refs out here, I don’t see anyone calling it.'”
The tension escalated when Travis, fed up with the rough play, threw the basketball at Jason, causing it to roll into the house. Jason followed his brother inside, where things took a more serious turn. “I go in there, I grab him by the shoulder, and I punch him,” Jason admitted, revealing that it was only the second time he had ever punched Travis.
But unlike previous scuffles, this time Travis didn’t back down. “He took this punch, scooped me up off my feet, and slammed me on the kitchen floor so hard the oven got knocked off the tracks,” Jason recounted. “I get up, and we’re in a full-on fistfight.”
Despite the intense clash, the brothers eventually grew past their youthful confrontations, and their bond only strengthened over time. The love and respect they have for each other were evident when Travis was visibly emotional during Jason’s retirement speech in March, wiping away tears as he sat in the front row with their parents, Ed and Donna. During the speech, Jason fondly recalled their childhood games and the pride he felt when both he and Travis were drafted into the NFL, just two years apart.
Jason also played a pivotal role in helping Travis secure his place in the NFL. When Travis faced challenges due to a season-long suspension from the University of Cincinnati for multiple positive marijuana tests, it was Jason who helped convince Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid to take a chance on his younger brother. Reid, who had previously drafted Jason to the Philadelphia Eagles, was already impressed with Travis’s on-field abilities, but Jason’s endorsement helped seal the deal.
Though their days of physical altercations are behind them, the Kelce brothers still enjoy a friendly rivalry, often exchanging playful jabs rather than punches. Recently, Jason couldn’t resist commenting on a daring play by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions. Mahomes attempted a behind-the-back pass to Travis on a critical third-and-3 play, successfully connecting for 9 yards and a first down.
After seeing the footage, Jason took to social media to express his surprise and amusement, exclaiming, “This son of a gun actually did it!! Magic Mahomes.” He later added in response to Mahomes’ post-game interview, “If Pat starts throwing behind-the-back passes every time Travis runs the wrong route, this may be the most exciting year of football to date.”
The playful banter and mutual support between Jason and Travis Kelce highlight the deep bond they share—one forged through years of competition, growth, and brotherly love. As they continue to make their mark in the NFL, it’s clear that their sibling rivalry has evolved into a source of strength and inspiration for both of them.
