Jason Kelce recently addressed rumors that he fell asleep during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour show in Miami, following a viral photo that seemingly captured the retired NFL star dozing off from his VIP box at Hard Rock Stadium. The photo ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, but Jason was quick to set the record straight.
On Wednesday’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, which Jason co-hosts with his brother Travis Kelce, the topic came up when Travis jokingly confronted him. “You took a nap at the Eras Tour. What is that all about?” Travis, 35, asked, referring to the viral moment.
Jason immediately denied the claim, firmly stating, “Travis, you know I didn’t take a nap. I did not take a nap.” Despite his brother’s good-natured ribbing, Jason made it clear that he was wide awake and fully engaged in the show.
Travis, however, wasn’t ready to let the moment go without a little more teasing. He continued to poke fun at his older brother, questioning how anyone could possibly fall asleep during such an “electric” concert. “It’s the greatest show that’s ever been onstage, and you’re over here falling asleep?” Travis teased, emphasizing just how captivating Swift’s performances are.
In response, Jason took the opportunity to explain what really happened. He described the atmosphere at the “insane” and “exciting” concert, where he felt like he was “in a fishbowl” with so many eyes on him. Wanting to take a moment to soak it all in, Jason said he decided to sit down and immerse himself in the music.
Jason explained that he had been dancing with his 3-year-old daughter, Elliotte, until she wandered over to his wife, Kylie Kelce. At that point, he opted to take a seat, relax, and enjoy the performance. “I’m just, like, sitting here, and I’m just, like, feeling it, and I’m, like, tapping my thigh, and I’m just, like, in the moment listening to the song,” Jason recounted.
It was then that the viral photo emerged, snapped by former NFL player Beau Allen, who was in the VIP box with Jason. The photo made its way to X (formerly Twitter), where fans and fellow athletes quickly speculated that Jason had fallen asleep during Swift’s show.
However, Jason strongly denied the accusation, expressing frustration at how the moment was misinterpreted. “I’m like, ‘Dude, what the f–k? I’m not even sleeping, and I can prove it to you,’” he joked.
Jason pointed out specific details in the photo to support his case. “My hand is hovering. You can’t sleep with your hand hovering above your knee,” he argued. “It’s impossible.” He even humorously referenced the film Major Payne, adding, “I’m not Major Payne. I can’t sleep with my eyes open, much less with my hand hovering above my knee. I was slapping my knee.”
Despite the playful accusations, Jason wasn’t actually upset with Allen for sharing the photo. He jokingly pretended to be betrayed by his friend, saying, “I was betrayed by one of my best friends.” But Travis quickly chimed in, reassuring him that it was all in good fun. “That’s not betrayal. That’s just being a friend,” Travis said, and Jason agreed, responding, “You’re right. That’s just called being a friend.”
Travis, who wasn’t able to attend the Miami show due to his Kansas City Chiefs game against the San Francisco 49ers, admitted he felt some serious FOMO (fear of missing out). Jason, ever the supportive brother, reassured him by calling the concert “incredible,” further deepening Travis’s envy.
Jason attended the concert with his wife Kylie and two of their three daughters—5-year-old Wyatt and 3-year-old Elliotte.
Their youngest child, 1-year-old Bennett, stayed home. The Kelce matriarch, Donna Kelce, was also in attendance, marking her first-ever Eras Tour experience.
The night was a special family outing, adding to the excitement of the Miami show, even if Jason was caught in an awkward snapshot.
While the viral photo may have sparked rumors, Jason Kelce made it clear he was fully awake and enjoying every moment of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, proving that even NFL legends can get swept up in the magic of Swift’s performance—no naps necessary.
