Jason Kelce may have hung up his cleats after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, but don’t think for a second that he’s stepped away from the game. The All-Pro center remains as plugged in as ever-especially when it comes to his former team. And this week, he had a bone to pick with the NFL’s scheduling department.
The Eagles, sitting at 9-5, are set to face the 4-10 Washington Commanders in Week 16. But the twist?
The game kicks off at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday.
That odd time slot didn’t sit well with Kelce, who voiced his frustration on the latest episode of the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“So that’s a five o’clock start, which is still a weird time for a football game,” Kelce said. “I don’t know that I like a five o’clock.
One, four or eight, those are the time slots we all know it. Stop f*cking with me NFL.”
It’s classic Kelce-blunt, a little fiery, and very much speaking for the fans and players who prefer their football in familiar windows. And he’s not wrong.
Five o’clock on a Saturday isn’t exactly traditional NFL territory. It’s a scheduling wrinkle that could throw off routines, from pregame prep to fan viewing habits.
But for the Eagles, there’s more on the line than just kickoff time. They’re still in the hunt for the NFC East crown.
A win over Washington, paired with a Dallas Cowboys loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, would lock up the division title for Philly. That’s a big swing opportunity in a tight playoff race.
Despite being the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Eagles haven’t had the smoothest ride this season. Jalen Hurts has had to battle through ups and downs, and the team as a whole has shown flashes of dominance mixed with stretches of inconsistency. But with two weeks left in the regular season, there’s still time to find their stride-and Hurts will be looking to lead that charge.
Meanwhile, the Kelce family spotlight isn’t just shining on Jason. Travis Kelce and the Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory after being eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday. That’s led to swirling speculation about the star tight end’s future, especially with free agency looming in 2026.
Jason weighed in on his brother’s situation during a Monday appearance on ESPN, offering some thoughtful insight.
“I’m curious too,” he said. “In my opinion, to nail that decision, you’ve got to step away from the game for a little bit.
Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy that with your coaches. The team’s going to be different whether you come back or not next year.
So, enjoy these last three games and then let it sink in. It’ll come to you with time.”
It’s a grounded take from someone who just went through the same emotional process not long ago. Jason knows what it means to walk away on your own terms-and how important it is to give yourself space to make that decision.
For now, Travis and the Chiefs will suit up for a Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. And while the playoff picture is no longer in play for Kansas City, there’s still pride, legacy, and possibly a farewell tour on the line.
As for Jason, even in retirement, he’s still very much in the game-whether he’s calling out odd kickoff times or offering brotherly wisdom on the biggest decisions in football.