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One of Philly’s modern sports heroes went public with an important clarification Thursday morning: Jason Kelce’s last name is pronounced exactly like we always thought.
The longtime Eagles center called into the 94WIP Midday Show to clarify that, saying, “You got it right. It’s Kel-see.”
Proper pronunciation was in question after a video circulated Wednesday on social media.
In an interview with Barstool Sports, Jason’s brother Travis, a tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs, answered a question from podcast host Braiden Turner.
“I got ‘Kel-see’ and then ‘Kels’,” the Chiefs player said. “My real name’s ‘Kels’ so I mean, I just kind of roll with the punches.”
Judging from Jason’s call, seems like it was a troll, but there were signs he was serious.
A video obtained by KMBC News in Kansas City shows Travis in a totally unscripted, private video sending a friend good vibes from a party in Toronto.
“John, what up big dog,” the tight end says, “This is T ‘Kels’.”
It would have come as a pretty big shock if Philly has gotten Jason Kelce’s name wrong all this time, considering his place in local sports lore.
The Eagles center, who has held down the Birds’ offensive line for the past 10 years, became a true legend after his speech at the Super Bowl 52 victory parade, where his impassioned speech in a bright green Mummers outfit gave voice to the everlasting Philadelphia sentiment, “No one likes us, we don’t care!”
Kelce has long been known for his friendly attitude and diving into the community with stunts like this month’s charity bartending gig at the Jersey Shore. He’s a common guest and topic on sports talk shows, and doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind.
His Eagles career may be coming to an end, with pundits noting a “poison pill” in his renegotiated contract means he’s either retiring or getting released after this season is over.
It’s been a great decade, either way — and at least we were saying his name right.
