On Saturday, NFL star Jason Kelce found himself in the middle of a heated exchange at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium after a football fan directed an anti-gay slur at his brother, Travis Kelce. The retired Philadelphia Eagles player reacted forcefully, smashing the fan’s phone, which has sparked a wave of conversation across social media.
Jason Kelce was in State College to appear on ESPN’s “College GameDay” ahead of the much-anticipated matchup between Penn State and Ohio State. As he walked through a crowd, fans surrounded him, many trying to record or interact with him. One person, hoping to get a reaction, took things too far by hurling a homophobic slur aimed at Travis, referencing his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift.
The fan reportedly shouted, “Hey, Kelce. How does it feel that your brother’s a f***** for dating Taylor Swift?” This remark appeared to cross the line for Jason, who turned to confront the fan. In the viral clip, Jason can be seen grabbing the fan’s phone and smashing it on the ground. He then continued walking, leaving the fan stunned.
Footage of the altercation quickly spread on X (formerly Twitter), with viewers taking note of Jason’s frustration and the fan’s shock. Additional videos surfaced, showing different angles of the incident and capturing the expressions of both Jason and the fan. The fan, wearing a Penn State hoodie, appeared to be tailing and recording Jason before the comment that sparked the altercation.
Public opinion online has largely sided with Jason Kelce. Some supporters felt that the fan’s actions deserved the reaction he received, with comments like “play stupid games, win stupid prizes” echoing the sentiment that hecklers should expect consequences. Many argued that the offensive language crossed a line, while others debated whether Jason’s response, which could technically be seen as property damage, was justified or could lead to potential legal fallout.
Jason Kelce, who retired after a successful 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has maintained a strong media presence in recent months. He and Travis host the popular New Heights podcast, which has gained immense popularity, especially since Travis’s relationship with Taylor Swift became a cultural sensation. In fact, the brothers signed a lucrative deal with Amazon’s Wondery podcast network, further boosting their public profile.
The incident sheds light on the challenges that come with fame, particularly when athletes cross into mainstream pop culture. While Jason Kelce’s response has received significant support from fans who see him as defending his brother against a personal attack, it also highlights the pressures public figures face under constant scrutiny and provocation.
UNILAD reportedly reached out to Jason Kelce’s representatives for comment, but there has been no official statement on the matter yet. For now, the viral video continues to spark debate on social media about the boundaries of personal respect and public conduct.