Jason Kelce’s Journey to NFL Stardom

Jason Kelce has established himself as one of the premier centers in the NFL during his 10-year career spent entirely with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 34-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler who has anchored the Eagles’ offensive line and helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory in 2017. However, Kelce’s journey to NFL fame was undoubtedly fueled by more than just his own talent and dedication – his supportive family played a significant role in helping him achieve his dreams.

Growing Up in a Hardworking Family

Kelce was born in 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in a family with a strong work ethic. His father, Ed Kelce, worked in the steel industry as a salesman. Steel manufacturing is physically demanding labor, and working in sales in that industry no doubt required grit, perseverance, and determination to succeed – qualities that were likely instilled in young Jason. His mother, Donna Kelce, was employed in the banking sector. Both of his parents held careers that emphasized the values of showing up every day, putting in long hours, and achieving goals through diligent effort.

This upbringing in a family where hard work was valued no doubt stayed with Kelce as he embarked on his football journey. He would need to consistently put in the work to develop his skills on the field and in the weight room if he wanted to reach the NFL. Having parents who served as role models of dedication to their careers likely fueled Kelce’s own work ethic from an early age. Their example showed him that success is earned through sustained effort over time, not achieved overnight or without commitment. This family background set the stage for Kelce to embrace the grind required to make his dreams a reality.

Sparring with Brother Travis

Jason also benefited from having a younger brother, Travis Kelce, who is currently in his ninth season as a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Only 18 months separated the two brothers, and growing up so close in age meant they were constantly competing against each other in sports. This sibling rivalry pushed both Jason and Travis to constantly raise the bar and challenge one another to improve.

Whether it was playing one-on-one basketball in the driveway or going head-to-head in the backyard, the Kelce brothers were fueled by a desire to outdo the other. This competitive fire between Jason and Travis likely played a significant role in maximizing both of their potentials. They drove each other to spend extra time in the weight room, to fine-tune their skills, and to never be satisfied with the status quo. Having a sibling who was equally athletically gifted kept each brother on their toes and prevented either from taking their talents for granted.

The supportive yet competitive dynamic between Jason and Travis undoubtedly served as motivation throughout their careers. It fostered a never-quit, never-settle attitude that has benefited both immensely. While many siblings grow apart as they get older, the Kelce brothers’ bond and rivalry has lasted well into the NFL. Their upbringing in a household where athletic competition was the norm within the family no doubt laid the groundwork for dual professional football careers.

After a standout high school career at Cleveland Heights High, Kelce continued honing his skills at the University of Cincinnati. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2006 but quickly became a starter the following season at left guard. Kelce started all 13 games in 2007 and helped power a Cincinnati rushing attack that averaged over 200 yards per game on the ground.

In 2008, Kelce switched to center and continued anchoring the Bearcats’ offensive line. He earned First Team All-Big East honors that season after Cincinnati averaged over 230 rushing yards per game. Kelce was a team captain as a redshirt junior in 2009 and helped lead the Bearcats to a perfect 12-0 regular season record and a spot in the Sugar Bowl. For his efforts, he was recognized as a consensus All-American and winner of the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the best center in college football.

Kelce’s college success was no doubt built upon the foundation laid by his upbringing. His parents’ blue-collar work ethic prepared him to embrace the grind of developing his skills each season. The competitive fire stoked by growing up with Travis kept Kelce hungry to improve. And his leadership abilities were fostered through serving as Cincinnati’s captain. By the time he declared for the NFL draft following his standout junior year, Kelce had all the tools – physical, mental and emotional – to thrive at the professional level.

Drafted by the Eagles

Kelce’s talents translated to the NFL as he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, 191st overall, of the 2011 draft. Making the team as a rookie is an accomplishment for a late-round draft pick, but Kelce immediately impressed the Eagles’ coaching staff with his football IQ, technique and toughness. He earned the starting center job by the beginning of the 2012 season as a second-year pro.

Kelce has remained Philadelphia’s starting center ever since, starting all but one game over the past 10 seasons. His consistency, durability and longevity are remarkable for an interior offensive lineman in the NFL. Playing center also requires immense mental processing and leadership abilities on the field to make blocking calls and adjustments. Kelce’s football smarts and experience have served him well as the anchor of the Eagles’ line for over a decade now.

During his tenure in Philadelphia, Kelce has been selected to the Pro Bowl in 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. He was a key piece of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII championship team in 2017, helping power their rushing attack and protect quarterback Nick Foles. At 34 years old heading into the 2022 season, Kelce remains one of the best at his position in the entire league thanks to his dedication to technique, film study, conditioning and taking excellent care of his body.

Family Man Off the Field

While establishing himself as a star NFL player, Kelce has also built a strong family life off the field. In 2018 he married his wife, Kylie McDevitt, who he met while they were both students at the University of Cincinnati. Their relationship has been a constant source of support for Kelce throughout his professional career.

In recent years, the couple has welcomed three daughters – Wyatt in 2019, Elliotte in 2020 and Bennett in 2022. Balancing fatherhood with the demands of being an NFL starter is no easy task, but Kelce’s upbringing in a family-oriented household prepared him well. His parents instilled the importance of hard work, perseverance and responsibility – qualities that have served him in his career and as a dad.

Having a loving wife and children to come home to after long practices and games no doubt provides Kelce with stability, perspective and motivation. It allows him to leave his football stresses on the field and recharge at home. The family atmosphere also keeps Kelce grounded and focused on the things that matter most outside of football. Much like his parents and brother helped shape his path, Kelce’s role as a husband and father now influences how he carries himself professionally.

Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

As Kelce enters his 12th NFL season in 2022, he remains one of the most respected veterans in the Eagles’ locker room. Younger players look to the three-time Pro Bowler as an example of work ethic, preparation, technique and durability. He leads vocally through communication and physically by setting the tone in the trenches game in and game out.

Kelce’s career exemplifies what can be achieved when natural talent meets unrelenting dedication. He has taken the blue-collar values instilled by his parents and parlayed them into sustained excellence for over a decade in the NFL. The competitive fire sparked by growing up with Travis as a brother pushed Kelce to maximize his potential. And having a strong support system with his wife and children has allowed him to flourish both on and off the field.

At 34, Kelce is still performing at an elite level. But regardless of how much longer he plays, his legacy as one of the greatest centers in Eagles’ history is already secure. More than stats and accolades, though, Kelce’s story serves as inspiration for how background, work ethic and family can converge to fuel remarkable professional success. He is living proof that dreams can be achieved through sustained grit, determination and sacrifice – valuable life lessons passed down from the supportive family who helped raise him.