by The Heart and Soul of the Offense: Why Fans Get Hyped for Jason Kelce Games
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When Philadelphia Eagles fans pack into Lincoln Financial Field on gameday, one player in particular seems to get them exceptionally pumped up – center Jason Kelce. As the quarterback of the offensive line and emotional leader of the team, Kelce plays a pivotal role for the Eagles. But what is it about him specifically that gets Eagles Nation so excited for his games? There are a few key reasons:
His Dominant Play
First and foremost, fans are hyped because Kelce is simply one of the best centers in the entire NFL. Since entering the league in 2011, he has established himself as a perennial All-Pro and Pro Bowler. Kelce has been selected to the prestigious All-Pro team an astounding 6 times over his career so far. He has also made the Pro Bowl roster in 7 consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2020. These accolades signify that Kelce is consistently ranked among the elite at his position on an annual basis by coaches, players, and analysts.
But stats and honors only tell part of the story – Eagles fans have witnessed firsthand just how dominant Kelce can be on the field. With his combination of athleticism, technique, football IQ, and nasty demeanor, Kelce routinely controls opponents in the trenches. He is a maestro at the line of scrimmage, making all the protection calls and adjustments with precision. Kelce also possesses the strength and leverage to stalemate even the biggest and strongest defensive linemen one-on-one.
Time after time, Kelce clears huge running lanes that spring running backs like LeGarrette Blount, Jordan Howard, and Miles Sanders for big gains. He is a road grader in the run game. In pass protection, Kelce slides and mirrors with the quickness of a former rugby player. His combination of awareness, agility, and power make him nearly impossible for defenders to get past. Kelce protects Carson Wentz’s blindside like a security blanket.
Fans flock to games knowing they will see Kelce dominate his matchups possession after possession. They anticipate highlight-reel blocks and a consistent push in the run game from the heart of the Eagles’ offensive line. Kelce’s track record of excellence and film study of his technique inspire confidence that he will control the line of scrimmage and help power the offense to success. His all-world talent is a major reason for pre-game excitement levels.
Leadership and Intensity
Beyond his play on the field, Eagles fans also love Kelce for his fiery leadership and passion. As the unquestioned veteran leader of the offensive line, he sets the tone both vocally and with his example. Kelce’s infectious energy and competitiveness rub off on his teammates and get the entire sideline and stadium juiced up.
There is a reason Kelce has taken on the nickname of “Cerebral Assassin” – he plays with an intense, aggressive mindset but also has the smarts to back it up. He is constantly seen rallying his troops along the line with emphatic fist pumps, chest bumps, and battle cries. Kelce leads intense huddles and just oozes confidence in his group. His brand of “smart, tough, and accountable” leadership is what the Eagles strive for as an identity.
Fans feed off Kelce’s emotion and intensity on the field. They anticipate his booming voice echoing throughout the Linc, firing up the crowd as well as his teammates. Eagles Nation knows that as long as their quarterback of the offensive line is that engaged, they have a chance to win any battle in the trenches. His passion is contagious – it gets the blood pumping for big plays and critical moments in close games.
Beyond the gridiron, Kelce’s personality and charisma shine through. He has become a fan favorite for his witty interviews, roasting of opponents on social media, and overall likable personality. Kelce is as entertaining off the field as he is dominant on it. Eagles fans look forward to seeing his fiery spirit in pregame warmups and between series to get them hyped. His leadership energizes the entire stadium and gets everyone invested in the outcome of crucial games.
Big Game Experience
When the lights shine brightest, Jason Kelce has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stages. None shine brighter than winning it all in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. As the unblockable force in the middle, Kelce helped pave the way for over 500 total yards of offense in the Eagles’ first ever championship victory.
That performance on the grandest stage of all cemented Kelce’s legacy as one of the greatest centers in franchise history. But it was just the icing on the cake of a career full of clutch performances in high-pressure moments. Kelce consistently balls out in must-win games and playoff atmospheres where the stakes are at their highest.
Fans know that when a game really matters, they can count on Kelce to bring his A-game. His experience and track record of rising to the occasion in critical junctures gives Eagles Nation confidence whenever a big matchup is on the docket. The excitement is amplified because they believe wholeheartedly in Kelce’s ability to dominate when the lights shine brightest on the biggest stages.
Impact on the Eagles Offense
More than anything, fans understand just how pivotal Jason Kelce’s role is to the success of the Eagles offense as a whole. As the man in the middle making all the line calls, Kelce is the maestro who orchestrates the symphony up front. The Eagles offensive identity is built around physicality at the point of attack – and Kelce is the unquestioned enforcer who sets that tone.
When Kelce is firing on all cylinders, it allows the Eagles to effectively execute their diverse rushing attack. With Kelce paving running lanes, the Eagles can pound opponents on the ground with a potent rushing committee. This establishes balance and keeps defenses honest. In the passing game, Kelce gives Carson Wentz ample time to survey the field and make throws. He shields Wentz’s blindside with his life.
Fans understand that when Kelce is at the top of his game, it allows the Eagles offensive coordinator to open up the playbook and keep opponents guessing. With Kelce in control up front, the Eagles can utilize their depth of weapons like Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Miles Sanders, and DeVonta Smith in creative ways. The offense flows much smoother.
Knowing Kelce’s critical role in the Eagles success, fans anticipate high-powered performances when he is on. They look forward to the offense clicking on all cylinders and putting up big points, which is always a recipe for excitement. Kelce’s mastery over opponents at the line of scrimmage unlocks the Eagles vast potential on that side of the ball.
The Heart of the City
At this point, Jason Kelce has become much more than just a star player – he is an institution and heart of the city of Philadelphia. Drafted in 2011, Kelce has given his all to the Eagles and city for over a decade. Through Super Bowl glory and heartbreaking losses, highs and lows, Kelce has been the constant battling in the trenches.
Eagles fans feel a strong connection to Kelce because he represents everything they hold dear – grit, toughness, passion, and blue-collar work ethic. He is the ultimate “Philadelphian” in their eyes. Kelce has embraced the city fully and given back tremendously through his charity work. The fans have reciprocated that love tenfold, making Kelce one of the most beloved Eagles of all time.
So when Kelce trots onto the field for his usual pregame stretching, bouncing around with infectious energy, Philly can’t help but get hyped. They roar his name at the top of their lungs to show their appreciation and pump him up even more. Eagles fans want to see Kelce dominate as much as he wants it himself. His games have become city-wide events that unite Philadelphians of all backgrounds.
The legacy, talent, leadership, and heart that Kelce plays with inspire a unique level of fandom few players can match. Eagles Nation looks forward to rooting their warrior on for battles every Sunday with unmatched passion and excitement. As long as Jason Kelce is snapping the ball in Midnight Green, Philly will be right there with him every step of the way.
In summary, between his unmatched skill, big-game resume, infectious passion, and importance to the Eagles’ success – Jason Kelce is the heart and soul of the franchise. Eagles fans flock to his games specifically because they believe in him so strongly to lead the way to victory. His dominance, energy, and will to win are contagious – and get an entire city pumped for kickoff each week. As the longtime veteran leader of the O-line, Kelce has become must-see TV for Philly.
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