Jason Kelce promised Eagles fans a banger tailgate and delivered after initially hinting at judging a bare-chested challenge on the New Heights podcast, only to shockingly enter and win later
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Jason Kelce put on a New Heights tailgate before Eagles-Bears(Image: X (@NewHeightsShow))
Jason Kelce hinted that retirement wouldn’t slow him down after calling it an NFL career following 13 seasons in Philadelphia. Hours before the Eagles kicked off their Black Friday matchup with the Chicago Bears, Kelce turned the parking lot outside Lincoln Financial Field into a full-blown athletic competition that he couldn’t resist joining.
The former All-Pro center has been busy in his post-NFL career. But through all of his viral broadcasting moments, including wardrobe malfunctions and heartfelt military features that led him to tears, nothing has captured fans’ attention like what unfolded at the live New Heights tailgate in Lot K.
The event was already a full-on party, with a DJ providing music despite the 38-degree weather, food stands, and free merchandise handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans wearing everything from the Kelly Green jersey he once gave away to his favorite McDonald’s employee, to turkey costumes left over from Thanksgiving, as Jason Kelce and his brother, Travis, announced the tailgate belly-bucking championship.
The tournament features two participants charging at each other, using pure stomach force, with their hands locked behind their backs, trying to knock their opponent out of a taped-off ring.
Think sumo wrestling without the use of hands, and add the bonus of parking lot brews.
“I’m so excited,” Jason said on his podcast. He also made a joke about being shocked that a legal department would allow his visions to come true. “I never thought legal was going to approve. If you want to show up and see these bellies get bucked, see you in Lot K.”
Travis immediately called it “the dumbest thing on the planet.” Fans assumed Jason would serve as referee as he said on the podcast, insisting he’d be policing hand placement with the seriousness of an NFL official.
As the action unfolded, Kelce ripped off his shirt like he did during Wrestlemania, strapped on an Eagles helmet, and stomped onto the platform in Timberland boots like a retired player with something to prove.
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The crowd lost its mind, and one competitor in an Eagles luchador mask cheered Kelce on.
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Jason Kelce retired after 13 NFL seasons in Philly(Image: Getty)
Another fan was a bald, shirtless man who appeared to have tons of experience in the sport. Kelce lowered his shoulder and bulldozed forward with his hands down, winning his match in seconds. Later, the New Heights account posted that Jason Kelce won the entire belly-bucking championship.
A fan tossed him a celebratory shirt while the lot erupted in chants. The event came after Kelce’s most recent holiday take, where he revealed his allegiance to his wife Kylie’s green bean casserole, his hatred of turkey, and his belief that mac and cheese is wildly overrated.
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Jason Kelce is a Super Bowl champion and now a belly bucking champion too(Image: X: @ESPNNFL)
Kelce’s NFL resume includes a Super Bowl ring, six First-Team All-Pros, and 193 consecutive starts. He now serves as a football analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.
