Jason Kelce: Charity

3/31/2024

Jason Kelce has called it a career. As an undersized 5th-round draft pick, expectations were near nonexistent. He eventually became the starting center and drove out a legacy as a Hall of Famer and one of the best centers to ever touch the field. Kelce earned 6 All Pro distinctions, 7 playoff appearances, and made 7 Pro Bowls. He promoted and exhibited the viability of smaller, more agile lineman with his fierce lead run blocking.

Surprisingly, his numerous strong off-the-field achievements outshine even his tall on-field achievements. Jason Kelce began to be well-known outside of the football world after founding the viral podcast, New Heights, with his brother, tight end Travis Kelce. Each week with Travis, and most of the time a football-related guest Jason Kelce shows his infectious and humorous character to viewers. Notable guests include hall of fame tight end Shannon Sharpe and three-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Julien Edelman. Jason Kelce was also a finalist for “sexiest man alive” by People magazine. But what makes his impact so profound and everlasting is his service, community leading, and dedication to the city of Philadelphia.

Kelce played his entire career with the Eagles, he helped bring the team to their first-ever Super Bowl against the Patriots in 2018. During the victory parade, while riding through the streets of Philadelphia, he highlighted the tenacious and passionate spirit of Eagles fans, “any of you know who the biggest underdog is? It’s y’all, Philadelphia. For 52 years, y’all have been waiting for this. You want to talk about an underdog? You want to talk about a hungry dog? For 52 years you’ve been starved of this championship,” he said to the crowd.” 

Eagles fans also will remember his strong philanthropic spirit. He and two of his fellow offensive linemen, tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson recorded two high-selling Christmas Albums to support local charities. The first album sold 25,000 vinyl copies and raised $1.25 million. The second album further sold over 50,000 vinyl copies and raised a staggering $2.5 million. His selfless spirit was 

was selected as the Eagles finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Kelce’s care for his community is unmatched and clear. He began the (Be)Philly Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing financial aid and support for Philadelphia public school aiding organizations. In November of 2022 he launched the “Underdog” clothing line. Proceeds from sales would go towards (Be)Philly and to kickstart the initiative he held a launch party with friends and teammates. He explained many of his nuanced choices and details of the operation. “(Be)Philly really came about because we’re not trying to change the city of Philadelphia at all; I think the city of Philadelphia has an incredible amount of strength, has pride, has incredibly strong people… We want to help the city achieve. We want to help our young people achieve.” The choice for the name “Underdog” stemmed from their superbowl campaign. Coming into the game, the Eagles had never won a superbowl and were facing off against the “dynasty” era Patriots led by Tom Brady. Kelce exclaimed his passion for the city's way of life, “it (the name underdog) embodies the city of Philadelphia. I think ‘underdog’ is a mentality. It’s a mentality that we’re not going to listen to outside noise. We’re not going to let anybody tell us who we are, how good we are and how good we can be!”

Kelce also noted how connected and lucky he felt to be in such a united community. The launch party was held during the team's bye week, and even players of high profile were in attendance to support Kelce. Some of those present were the entire starting offensive line, quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver AJ Brown, tight end Dallas Goebert among many others. Kelce described the team as “tight knit”, and described the eagles as a “family”. Tackle Jordan Mailata added, “I think it’s the culture that we built… The culture that we built this year, the connections, the bonds, the relationships — the way we connect with each other off the field, out of this building, it’s been one of the best locker rooms I’ve been a part of. And it’s showing, for the amount of guys that showed up for Kelce’s (launch party).”

The influence and respect that Jason Kelce has earned throughout his time in Philadelphia is clear. His acts of service, representation of the city, social nature, and community leadership has created a culture of unity and respect. Kelce also exhibits holding a standard of excellence off of the field, making a great example for his colleagues. There is a common phenomenon where football players choose to remain in and serve communities they play in out of developed affinities. What experiences and good feelings the city gave to players like Kelce is returned by his service and charity work. This cycle and way of life can only lead to overall more positive, better connected and united communities.

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Works Cited

Berman, Zach. “Eagles’ Jason Kelce Centers Foundation on “Underdog” Ethos to Support Philly Kids.” NYTIMES, 11 Nov. 2020, www.nytimes.com/athletic/3813545/2022/11/11/eagles-jason-kelce-underdog-apparel/.

Bumbaca, Chris. “How Eagles’ Christmas Album Morphed from Wild Idea to Hit Record.” USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2023, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2023/12/15/philadelphia-eagles-christmas-album-jason-kelce-jordan-mailata/71847975007/.

“Home - (Be)Philly Foundation.” Bephilly.org, 19 July 2022, bephilly.org/.

“Jason Kelce Retiring after 13 Seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.” WHYY, 4 Mar. 2024, whyy.org/articles/jason-kelce-press-conference-retirement/.