My Favorite Kelce

Long before Taylor Swift starting showing up at NFL games, I was a fan of Travis Kelce. In addition to his appearance on Saturday Night Live, I've loved seeing him inside Harrah's Casino in South Lake Tahoe and on the course beside his QB Pat Mahommes in the American Century Golf Championship. He's a goof ball off the gridiron and a gladiator on it. Though the Niners have a great tight end in George Kittle, it' hard to argue that #87 for the Kansas City Chiefs isn't the best in the game. But, he's not my favorite Kelce.

And, as much as I admire Travis' older brother Jason, he's not my favorite Kelce either. Sports fans know Jason is the reason Travis is even in the league. He has paved the way for his little brother—from convincing their college coach to give Travis a second chance to starting "New Heights." This is the podcast that created the platform and buzz for TayTay to take notice. In short, Jason is NOT to be underestimated. At center/offensive lineman for the Eagles, Jason has been team captain for the past six seasons. But, he's second to someone else.

My favorite Kelce is "Mama Kelce," but not the one that the public knows by now. Jason and Travis' mom Donna is famous for her two team shirts at the Super Bowl, sitting next to Taylor in a box on a game day and ubiquitous ads for Campbell's soup. However, the Mama Kelce I am talking about is the wife of Jason and mother of their three daughters. Her name is Kylie. And if If Taylor Swift marries into this family, I hope she knows what she's up against. Kylie grew up an Eagles fan and is a woman that I believe all female sports fans can appreciate and admire. 

One can "meet" Kylie and get to know her story/their story vis à vis Amazon's tremendously popular video "Kelce" which came out in September 2023. As noted on the Prime Video page, 

NFL All-Pro center Jason Kelce started documenting what he thought was his final year in the NFL. Instead, the film intimately captures the most epic year in Jason and Travis’s life, from starting a hit podcast together, Jason’s wife Kylie being pregnant with their third child, and ultimately meeting each other at the Super Bowl. All while Jason grapples with the decision of his retirement.

Football fans know, Jason Kelce is still in the league. While his brother is getting most of the attention right now, Jason is the primary focus of this documentary. And with Jason, comes Kylie.

"Kelce," reveals that Kylie and Jason met on Tinder, a popular dating app. Although none of his profile pictures showed anything Eagles or football, she admits that he looked familiar. Let's give credit where credit is due. It's unlikely for most women AND men to recognize players on the O-Line. Go Ky.

Early on in the program, she states "I feel like it's the true Philadelphia way, but when I'm watching broadcast, I'm like, can you STOP focusing on the other team?" You don't have to be from Philly to feel that way. What sports fan hasn't uttered that cry. #PreachOn.

Kylie's father—a background figure in the film— is a diehard football fan, too. I thought how he must have felt when his daughter married an Eagle. JACKPOT. He lays low, setting a good example for his daughter and she too keeps it real. For example, following the NFC Championship—when the Super Bowl became a reality—the camera shows Jason, Kylie and kids in their living room.

She says, "Alright so I'm doing the maximum amount of tickets that you can purchase—because that's what we were counting for." She pauses and puts the phone down."This is why I don't go on the calculator on my phone," she said.

"Yeah it's a lot of money," said Jason.

"$50,000 DOLLARS!" said Kylie. 

"Yep." said Jason.

Kylie responds "We are paying $4k to for a f***Ing kid who is not going to sit in her seat to watch her dad play in a game. That's bananas!"

"It is," said Jason.

My jaw, which dropped upon hearing the price tag, suddenly closed and then smiled as their two year old daughter said (as she pushes a baby stroller), "I''m going to the Eagles game. My baby wants to go tot the Super Bowl, too." This is as real as their life gets....and I love it. But not as much as what she said about her team. The one that her husband happens to play for. 

Kylie said, "to be clear, I am an Eagles to the extent that If Jason ever went and played for another team,  I would wear Kelce, but I would not wear another team's stuff. I've genuinely thought about that a number of times. I just couldn't do it. Travis was in the playoffs one year, and the Eagles were not and so we went to a playoff game in Kansas City and I was so like--Do I have to? Trav knows that I always want Travis to be successful, OBVIOUSLY I always want Jason to be successful but I'm not going to be out there doing the Chief's chop, whatever that tomahawk thing. No."

I am not in this position, but I do not and have never had it in me to wear anything but Notre Dame. I have no interest in wearing another team's stuff. None. If someone asked me to do that, the closest indicator of support for another school I can offer is in the form of their colors. Maybe. You will not see me taking on another school's cheers, traditions or logos. Ever. And I won't apologize for this. No way. Kylie, I got you. I get you. Thank you.

In the Netflix series "Beckham," Victoria Beckham said loud and proud "I am NOT into football. I wasn't into football then. I'm not into football now." While some partners will appreciate Posh Spice's point-of-view, it does not resonate with me in the least. 

Rather, Kylie has captured the Kelce crown because she is so relatable. (She might be my soul sister?!) I appreciate how she is super supportive and low key. She is beautiful and funny. While watching your husband and brother-in-law play in the Super Bowl or convincing your OB-GYN to travel with you to the game is far from real life, in the midst of that madness I think she does all she can to keep things grounded. She keeps her priorities straight—and that starts with support for her team.

Yes, it's Team Kelce, but that name happens to be on her favorite team's green/silver/black/white jersey. 

Taylor, I hope you get to sit next to her in for a game sometime soon.

Photo Credits
Kylie, Jason and Kids

Jason and Ky

Two Kelces
Donna and Taylor

Jalen Hurts: What I Can't (And Should Not) Unknow

“Once you know some things, you can't unknow them. It's a burden that can never be given away.” —Alice Hoffman, Incarnation

I am seldom contrarian, but I believe the American playwright and author Alice Hoffman got it wrong. While I agree that once you know, you cannot not know and I concur—it is a burden—I would argue it can be given away. In fact, I have to give it away! Why? I don't know what else to do with it.

Let that serve as my warning 49er fans. If you want to keep the Eagles—the enemy in this Sunday's NFC Championship game at arms length—please stop reading here and now.

In preparation of the NFC Championship in the City of Brotherly love, here in the Bay Area, local sports talk radio can't help but debrief and dig up the dirt on our opponents. The Eagles are the divisional favorites and hoping to secure what would be their first NFC title since 2018. Philadelphia and San Francisco have only played one time against each other in the playoffs—and it was way back in 1996. The Eagles lost to the 49ers, 14-0, in the wild card round of the playoffs.

QB1 for the Birds, Jalen Hurts is one of five finalists for this season's MVP. Chosen as the 53rd player overall in the 2020 draft, the team is undefeated this season when Hurts has started the game. I listened to stat after stat about this offensive weapon for Philly and then something unexpected came my way: Hurts surrounds himself with an all-women team.

What? Did I hear that right? Last time I heard about an all woman team, it was from Coach Muffet McGraw. She was highly lauded and heavily criticized for pronouncing she would not hire another man on her coaching staff. 

As written in the New York Times, “When these girls are coming out, who are they looking up to to tell them that’s not the way it has to be?” McGraw continued. “Where better to do that than in sports? All these millions of girls that play sports across the country, we’re teaching them great things about life skills, but wouldn’t it be great if we could teach them to watch how women lead?”

"Enough of the declining percentage of women coaching women’s basketball teams. Enough of the limited female representation in Congress. Enough of confining gender roles. Enough of the gender pay gap." In short Muffet McGraw has had enough. 

For Hurts, the decision to hire women was born out of respect and admiration for the example set by his mom and sister AND a DM from Nicole Lynn, his agent.  

As written by Brandon Sneed in, Jalen Hurts Hopes to Inspire Change With His All-Women Team

Lynn went to OU law school and her husband played football there, years before Hurts. Before becoming a Sooner, Hurts won a national championship with Alabama; Lynn already represented about a dozen Crimson Tide alumni, including offensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the highest drafted player in the school’s history. Lynn also lives in Houston, where Hurts is from. 

“All this synergy,” she recalls now. So she fired off the DM on impulse. “I didn’t expect him to even see it.”  

Hurts saw it; he was still in the process of finding an agent. “I wanted to hear her out,” he says now.  

Hurts cared about her résumé, her experience and how he trusted her. He thought: What the hell else mattered? “People are going to doubt her because she’s a woman in this industry,” he says. “There was a sense of doubt. Why is she doing this? Can she represent a quarterback? What’s she going to do with him?”

That decision was the first of many others in what Eagles fans hope is a long, healthy and successful career.

The Sports Illustrated piece adds

As Hurts began laying the groundwork for his career, he hired women to run his life around football. Choosing Lynn as his agent was just the start. From media relations to marketing to brand client services support, women run things for him across the board. “I’ve put a lot of trust and faith in a female-driven team,” he says, pointing to Lynn and naming others such as Chantal Romain, Shakeemah Simmons-Winter and Jenna Malphrus on his media relations and client services management team, along with Rachel Everett, who handles some of his marketing.

Hurts doesn’t usually voice his opinions or engage in the discourse of the day; he prefers to focus on football. But seeing what he’s seen, and thinking about his sister coming up as an athlete, and simply growing up and becoming more aware of how many people in the world treat women—well, he wants to add his voice to that conversation. “My goal in speaking out on this is to advocate for and support the investment in women in sports,” he says.

Muffet McGraw happens to be from Philly. If there's something in the water, we need more of it. All I know is I heard the story. I read it. I have nothing on Hurts. I truly respect his principles and values; I cannot help but applaud the decisions he has made. Dang it. It's always easier when you dislike your opponent. 

Check out the video for yourself. Type in Jalen Hurts 600

I also learned he can squat 600 lbs. Amazing

I cannot say I will be cheering for him (or his team) this Sunday—but this is something I learned...something I cannot unknow....and for those of us involved in sports and fans of sports: it must be given away.

Photo Credits
Jalen et al
Female Team
Jalen Profile
600 Lbs

Super Bowl LII: A Sports Fan's Perspective

I've always liked the question: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Last Monday, the primary reason I got out of bed at 5:30 a.m. in time for my 6:00 a.m. Hour of Power class is because of Super Bowl LII. One might think the sheer athleticism of the contest would light a fire in my inner athlete and motivate me to hit the weight rack, pound the pavement and bench press, dip and curl. No...I went to my gym because I couldn't wait to talk about the game. A great upset, a valiant victory—yes the Eagles won their first Super Bowl—but football won, too. This sport that many people currently "love to hate" revealed to us, once again, why it captures our hearts, minds and our pocketbooks.  Here are but a few thoughts from the perspective of a sports fan.

A Case for Impartiality

For years, Pats fans have proclaimed loud and proud that you can't be impartial about their team: you love them or hate them. One Boston sportswriter went so far as to liken this sentiment to the words of Christ who said, "...for whoever is not against you is for you." Jesus' message was about a false prophet, one who claimed to exorcise demons (Luke 9:50). Needless to say, his words aren't about fan loyalty.

I've heard sports fans accuse the Yankees and Notre Dame of a similar fate. Personally, I find this assumption brazen and impudent. Perhaps I don't want my alma mater thrown in the mix, but when it comes to the New England Patriots, I don't stand in either camp. I can't cheer for them, but I certainly have respect for their legacy. I am fascinated by what Bill Belichick has done, but I'm not dreaming for a selfie with him or an interview for the purpose of this blog (though that would be great). I can't deny that Tom Brady may be the best athlete to hail from the Bay Area and I am intrigued by The TB12 Method, but I don't read or write about him (probably) often (enough).

I'm sure New England fans find themselves defending their greatness and the GOAT given some colored history and reasons to fuel the fire of non-impartiality, I'm just indifferent. Meh.

Given that Wentz played at North Dakota State U, I'm wondering how this is possible....

Forced Choice

All that being said, when the game clock starts, I have never been able to watch a championship game and NOT pick a team. Dodgers vs Astros, Sergio Garcia vs. Justin Rose, Dubs vs. Cavs (easy!) and as Super Bowl LII revealed: Eagles vs. Patriots. As written about in A Sports and Spirituality Icon: The Eagle, I had no dog in the fight. When forced to choose, I wanted the Eagles to win. I prefer the NFC over the AFC (Niners!) and who doesn't want to see an upset? I know and love a few Eagles fans, but not enough that I felt a need to go out of my way to cheer or promote the Birds.

However, seeing this team brought joy, happiness, and amazement. As a loyal Giants fan, I remember when my team finally got their first World Series crown. These championship series—as over the top and gratuitous as they are—don't exist for nothing. I rode an emotional high for days, weeks and honestly a full year at a time. The other rings have been super special, but to deny that the first one isn't the sweetest of victories is just not true. 

Through all of it, I realized that I saw this win, the post-game celebration, the fan reactions, the parade, the commentary, and even the takeaways from the perspective of someone who "gets it." I have felt that hunger and tasted that joy. I am not overstating matters when I say the Eagles' victory made me even more grateful for the championships I have known in my lifetime. In our head and in our heart, we know that victory is never a given. I have learned in my life as a sports fan that when it comes your way, hold on to the ride. It's magical. I know Philadelphia will and I also know that Doug Pederson will NEVER pay for another meal or drink anywhere in and around Philly.

A Double Standard
I do love a good Super Bowl party. I always have "Super Bowl squares" in play, I like the healthy and not so healthy snacks, and it's nice to gather with people of all ages on a Sunday afternoon. The party I attended was your typical  Super Bowl gathering: awesome flat screen TV, mixed beverages and but a few true fans of either team in attendance. The ratio of men and women was equal and the number of people who really like football veered toward, maybe 50%? I know the rhythm of these gatherings: the focus on the game won't settle in until late in third/beginning of the fourth quarter. The conversation prior to that time is all over the place. However, this year, the conversation among women, in particular, caught my attention.

• Doug Pederson is a "silver fox." I think he's hot.
• Only certain men can look that good in a visor.
• That player's body is amazing. Totally rock solid and I love how the pants these guys wear showcase them 
• Don't you think the tight end lives up to the name? He has one...

Two women discussed Tom Brady's hairstyle and its past iterations for at least 3 downs.  The extent of their conversation reminded me of media reports on how inappropriate it was that the American public talked about Hillary Clinton's hairstyle, cut and color during debates and on the campaign trail. Is one worse or different than the other?

I don't really feel the need to defend men, but I guarantee if men were talking about female athletes they way these women were talking about these men, they would be called out. Several women objectified the men on the field in the same way female athletes have been for years. For too many women, those remarks have been hurtful, disrespectful and inappropriate. I'm not convinced these were that much different.

Carson Wentz
The Eagles' *star* quarterback, the player who laid the groundwork on this championship season saw his own season come to an end on December 10, 2017. As Steven Ruiz of USA Today writes The Eagles were 10-2 and their second-year quarterback had just broken the franchise record for touchdown passes in a season. Everything was going right. But then Eagles fans were offered a stern reminder that they can’t have nice things, and Carson Wentz left Philadelphia’s game against the Rams with a knee injury.

His personal fate and the team's fate met a major roadblock. A torn ACL and LCL meant that Eagles would call upon Nick Foles. The questions that loomed large were answered as Foles stepped up, so high that he became the Super Bowl MVP.

After the game, the camera showed Wentz in the locker room, in plain clothes—the ones he wore during the game—sitting alone and crying. A number of players broke down in tears. Relief, exhaustion, pure joy, amazement, gratitude and so much more. However, when I looked at Wentz, my heart swelled. He is such a good person, I know he was crying tears of joy...but the human part of me had to wonder if those same tears weren't tears of disappointment....for not being "the guy"....for what the injury cost him...for not having the opportunity to lead the team to the win. 

Dear Players' Tribune please ask Wentz to share his thoughts on this moment. He is a man of devout faith and integrity. I know he could teach us a lot from this vantage point.

The Best Fan Reaction I've Ever Seen
The Philadelphia Eagles have sold out every home game since 1999. They have the third highest number of season ticket holders in the NFL. Sports Illustrated has deemed their fans to be the most intimidating and obnoxious of all NFL teams. 

Perhaps it's because I live nearly 3000 miles away from the Link but I find all of it highly entertaining. I scrolled and trolled social media for a good hour after both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl wins and laughed out loud time and again. In that time, I encountered what I think is the funniest and most creative fan reaction I've ever seen. Yes, I love what Steve Kerr, my favorite coach (men's sport) tweeted out: Just another Arizona Wildcat QB winning a Super Bowl. Seen in once, seen it a thousand times (Yawn)....Bear Down Nick Foles!!!! but whoever it is that had the foresight and gumption to take his dune buggy up the same steps that Rocky once scaled....Brilliant!

Philly, I know you have not yet even recovered from the victory because you are still celebrating. You might be all year. I also know, to take from "Silver Linings Playbook" there will NEVER be a question of what to wear...

Pat: Hey, my friend Ronnie is having this party on Sunday night and it's like a real hoity-toity thing. And his wife Veronica is a real stickler for... I don't know. My mom got this Gap outfit she wants me to wear, but I want to wear a jersey that my brother Jake got me from the Eagles

Dr. Cliff Patel: Which jersey?

Pat: DeSean Jackson.

Dr. Cliff Patel: DeSean Jackson is the man.

Pat: Well, that settles that.

Photo Credits
Carson Wentz
Coach Pederson
Tom Brady hair
Eagles win
Map