Jason Kelce was already one of the NFL’s most recognizable players, but his level of fame changed dramatically after his brother, Travis Kelce, began dating Taylor Swift. The retired Philadelphia Eagles star revealed that the high-profile romance introduced him, and the entire Kelce family, to a completely different audience. Instead of primarily being approached by passionate football fans, Jason suddenly found himself attracting attention from Swift’s younger supporters.
Jason discussed his changing level of fame during the Tuesday, July 21, episode of the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.” When asked whether the increased attention had developed gradually, the 38-year-old ESPN analyst explained that it initially had, until Travis and Swift became a couple. “It was definitely gradual, and then it just like was a very big flip, obviously, when Taylor and Travis started dating,” Jason told Tucker.
Before the relationship began attracting international attention, Jason was best known for his 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles. His success on the field and outspoken personality helped him build a devoted fan base, particularly in Philadelphia.
His “New Heights” podcast with Travis also allowed listeners to become more familiar with the brothers’ relationship and the rest of the Kelce family. Swift’s arrival, however, expanded that interest far beyond the traditional sports audience.
The Kelce Family Attracted A ‘Whole ‘Nother Demographic’
Travis and Swift, both 36, were first romantically linked in September 2023 when the singer attended a Kansas City Chiefs game. Although that appearance marked the public beginning of their relationship, Swift later revealed that the pair had already been dating privately for months.
Once the romance became public, Jason noticed an immediate change in the people following his career and approaching him in everyday life. The relationship “led to a whole ‘nother demographic of fan base being interested in not just me but our entire family,” Jason explained.
Swift’s fans did not limit their attention to Travis. They also became interested in Jason, the brothers’ parents, Ed and Donna Kelce, Jason’s wife, Kylie, and the couple’s children.
Jason Kelce Jokes About His Dramatically Different Fans
Jason used his humor to explain the contrast between his original fan base and the people who began recognizing him after Swift entered the family’s life. “I went from very much being dominated by large fat men coming up to me and shaking my hand and thanking me for being an Eagle to little girls,” he said. “It was quite a shift of people that became fans.”
The change reflected the different audiences the brothers brought together. Jason and Travis already had strong followings among football fans, while Swift’s relationship with Travis introduced her massive pop music audience to the Kelce family. That expanded interest followed Jason even after he retired from professional football. He subsequently became an ESPN analyst while continuing to co-host “New Heights” with his brother.
While Jason described the change as a dramatic “flip,” he did not criticize the new fans. Instead, he acknowledged that his brother’s relationship had exposed the entire family to people who may never have followed the Eagles or watched an NFL game.
Jason Praises Travis’ Wedding Singing
Jason also discussed Travis and Swift’s recent wedding during his podcast appearance with Ross Tucker. The couple married at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, July 3. Tucker attended the ceremony with his wife, Kara, and recalled hearing both the bride and groom sing during the reception.
Tucker described Travis as a “good singer,” prompting Jason to offer his assessment of his brother’s musical abilities. “Yeah, Trav can sing. Trav has always been able to carry a tune,” Jason said.
Although Travis demonstrated some vocal talent, Jason admitted that his brother faced unusually strong competition at his own wedding. “Obviously, [he] paled in comparison to some of the other people singing that night, but he did okay,” Jason joked, obviously referring to the woman Travis was marrying.
Music played a major role in the star-studded celebration. Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks were among those who performed during the couple’s big night. Nicks has been a longtime friend and mentor to Swift, while McCartney’s appearance added another rock legend to the wedding festivities.
Jason Kelce Served As His Brother’s Best Man
Jason did more than evaluate Travis’ performance from the audience. He stood beside his younger brother as best man during the ceremony. His four daughters with Kylie, Wyatt, 6, Elliotte, 5, Bennett, 3, and 15-month-old Finnley, also participated as flower girls.
Jason also joked that singing was not a talent the brothers inherited from their parents. Even so, he acknowledged that Travis had “always been able to carry a tune” before demonstrating those skills at the reception.