Travis Kelce Chokes Back Tears in Emotional Tribute to Brother Jason Following His NFL Retirement
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce are honored during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 5, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
Travis Kelce is giving his brother, Jason Kelce, his flowers.
Following the former Philadelphia Eagles center's extremely emotional retirement announcement on Monday, March 4—where Travis was seen wiping away tears from behind his sunglasses—the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is letting his big brother know how much he has meant to him in the game of football, specifically.
During the latest episode of New Heights—the sports podcast the brothers cohost—which was released on Wednesday, March 6, the audio show became a bit heavy as they diverted from their usual lighthearted conversation to speaking about Jason's decision to officially retire.
"We did not talk about much of your retirement, and I wanted to make sure that you didn't feel any pressure from me to keep going, knowing I wanted you to keep going; I wanted you to keep playing this game," Travis opened the dialogue.
"Dude, why didn't you tell me this? I would've changed my mind," Jason quipped back, but the Catching Kelce alum continued, telling him "No, no," and delivering an impromptu tribute to his brother, who he noted has always been a "flotation device" for him.
"You've always been a step ahead of me–" he said, before being cut off by his big bro cavalierly stating, "I'm older, Trav."
"Yeah, but in this game, alone, you've always been a step ahead of me, and it's always been like I've had that flotation device right there. To have you out of it, man, it feels empty, and it definitely feels like it's complete, it was a success," Travis said, pausing as he choked back tears.
Related: Jason Kelce Pays Tribute to 'Bond' With Brother Travis During Emotional Retirement Speech
"I hear you," Jason encouraged him, as Travis became overwhelmed with emotion.
"It was a fun ass journey to watch, and like I said yesterday, man, I just appreciate you showing me the way and bringing us all along the journey with you, big guy," he added.
"We showed each other the way," Jason responded, "I appreciate it."
He also reassured his younger brother and listeners that although he may be done playing, his football story is not over, as now he will have more time to attend his brother's Chiefs games, and spend time with his three daughters.
Travis added that he "couldn't have been more proud" listening to his brother deliver his emotional speech, after admitting that he's going to miss being the "tag-team of the National Football League—pretty cool sh-t."
Although both pro athletes communicated sad feelings, they are both also very excited for what's to come in Jason's next chapter.
Next: Cavaliers Share Tribute Footage of Travis and Jason Kelce as Kids That Will Melt Your Heart
