by Jason Kelce’s Strangest Match: A Contender
While Jason Kelce has had an impressive NFL career spanning over a decade as a stalwart center for the Philadelphia Eagles, pinpointing the absolute “strangest” game of his career is a subjective exercise. Many games have had their quirks and peculiarities over the years. However, one match from the 2018 season stands out as a definite contender for the strangest of Kelce’s career due to a perfect storm of unique circumstances and storylines. That game was the Eagles’ Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans.
On the surface, Eagles vs. Texans may not seem like an obviously strange contest. Both teams were playoff contenders that season with high-powered offenses. However, this particular game was bizarre and memorable for a few key reasons. Most notably, it pitted Jason Kelce against his brother Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs in a rare NFL matchup between starting siblings. Beyond the family angle, the game played out as an unusually low-scoring defensive battle. It also featured a pivotal holding penalty from Jason that helped decide the outcome. When coupled with the post-game celebration between the brothers, this game emerges as one of the oddest and most noteworthy of Kelce’s career.
The “Kelce Bowl”
Going into the 2018 Week 16 game, all the attention was on the brothers Kelce squaring off against each other as starters for the first time in the NFL. Jason Kelce had long cemented himself as one of the league’s top centers with the Eagles, while Travis Kelce was in the midst of a breakout season at tight end for the Chiefs. This matchup was the first instance of brothers facing each other as starters in the regular season in NFL history.
The buildup was a major storyline all week. Both brothers were eager to compete but also maintained how much they cared for each other. Jason noted how surreal and special the moment would be, while Travis said he was looking forward to bragging rights over the holiday season. Eagles and Chiefs fans were equally invested, with the game garnering national attention. Sports networks breathlessly covered every angle of the “Kelce Bowl.”
When kickoff finally arrived, the intensity and emotion of the moment was palpable. Both brothers were driven to help their respective teams win while also displaying mutual respect. During pre-game warmups, they shared a hug and exchanged jerseys as a memento. The football world was tuned in to witness history and see how the sibling rivalry would play out on the field.
A Defensive Slugfest
Contrary to expectations, the game did not live up to the hype as an offensive shootout between two high-scoring teams. Instead, it transformed into a strange defensive battle that saw points come at a premium. The Texans and Eagles, led by stalwart defenses, kept one another out of the end zone for much of the contest.
Through three quarters, the score was a paltry 6-3 in favor of the Eagles. Field goals accounted for all the scoring in a game that was turning into a punting duel. Offenses on both sides struggled mightily to move the ball against smothering defensive performances. Big plays were nowhere to be found as teams battled just for a few yards at a time.
By the fourth quarter, fans were growing restless watching the low-scoring slugfest. Where was the fireworks between Pro Bowl skill position players like DeAndre Hopkins, Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery? This matchup was anything but the offensive explosion many anticipated. Instead, it remained a defensive struggle down to the wire.
Kelce’s Crucial Holding Penalty
With less than five minutes remaining and the Eagles clinging to a 6-3 lead, the game took another strange turn. Facing a crucial 4th and 1 near midfield, the Eagles opted to go for it rather than punting in Texans territory. Carson Wentz took the snap and ran a QB sneak up the middle looking for the first down.
However, the play was negated by a holding penalty on none other than Jason Kelce. In a rare miscue, Kelce was flagged for grabbing the facemask of his defender just before Wentz reached the line. The 10-yard penalty forced the Eagles to punt instead of retaining possession. It was a backbreaking mistake that gave the Texans new life.
Houston drove down the field after the penalty but ultimately stalled in Eagles territory. They were forced to settle for a field goal, cutting the deficit to 6-9. Kelce’s inopportune penalty loomed large, as it kept the Texans within striking distance late in the game. The Eagles center is usually one of the most disciplined and penalty-free players, so this mistake stood out even more.
Philadelphia was able to run out the clock after the Texans field goal. When the final whistle blew, the Eagles had secured a narrow 23-9 victory in the bizarre defensive battle. But Kelce’s holding penalty, and the controversy it created, added yet another strange layer to an already peculiar game. It was a rare blemish for the veteran center and one that almost cost his team the win.
Post-Game Brotherly Love
After the final whistle, the football world’s attention turned back to the brothers Kelce. As Jason and Travis met at midfield, they shared a warm embrace while still in full pads, displaying the love and respect between them despite being opponents just moments ago.
“It was a great, fun competition out there,” said Travis. “We both wanted to win so bad, but at the end of the day we’re family. I’m so proud of him.”
Jason added: “This was such a special day I’ll remember forever. I’m glad we both got to experience this, even if one of us had to take the ‘L.’ Now let me buy you a beer to celebrate, little brother!”
True to his word, Jason proceeded to crack open a couple post-game beers with Travis on the field as players and coaches looked on smiling. It was a heartwarming scene amid the intensity of an NFL game. The moment perfectly captured the spirit of the brotherly battle and further cemented this matchup in football lore.
Legacy of a Strange Game
In the aftermath of the 2018 Week 16 contest, the “Kelce Bowl” gained legendary status. While other games may have had flukier plays or less expected outcomes, this matchup stood out for the perfect storm of circumstances that made it truly bizarre and memorable.
Not only did it pit sibling starters against each other for the first time ever, but it played out as an exceedingly low-scoring defensive battle instead of the shootout many anticipated. Jason Kelce’s untimely penalty added controversy, while the post-game celebration between brothers brought warmth and feels.
When considering the totality of factors that made this game unique, it stands out as one of the strangest and most noteworthy contests of Jason Kelce’s illustrious career. From the buildup to the on-field action and its aftermath, this matchup against the Texans had it all. While other games may also stake a claim, the “Kelce Bowl” will forever be remembered as a definite contender for the title of Jason Kelce’s strangest match.
