by Donovan McNabb’s Influence on Jason Kelce’s Football Journey
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Jason Kelce was just a young football fan who admired the local heroes. One of those heroes was Donovan McNabb, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1999 after a stellar college career at Syracuse University. Though McNabb only spent one season in Cleveland before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, his talent and leadership made a strong impression on the young Kelce.
“Watching Donovan play for the Browns as a kid really sparked my interest in football,” recalled Kelce. “He was such an exciting player to watch. His athleticism and playmaking ability just stood out.” McNabb’s success at the NFL level fueled Kelce’s own aspirations to one day play professionally. While many children dream of becoming pro athletes, McNabb’s example gave Kelce’s goals a sense of realism and possibility.
A few years later, Kelce’s family made the move from Cleveland to Philadelphia. Coinciding with their relocation was McNabb’s arrival as the new franchise quarterback of the Eagles, who had acquired him via trade prior to the 1999 season. This presented Kelce with an incredible opportunity – he was now living in the same city as one of his childhood heroes and would get to witness him play on a weekly basis at Lincoln Financial Field.
“Getting to see Donovan suit up for the Eagles in person was so cool. The atmosphere he created in that stadium was just electric,” recalled Kelce. “You could feel the excitement and energy he brought to the entire city. It was then that I knew for sure I wanted to pursue football after high school.” McNabb’s exceptional skills, leadership presence, and knack for thrilling plays left a lasting impression on the young Kelce. Watching greatness up close only solidified his desire to one day play at that level.
It wasn’t long before Kelce got his first chance for a personal connection with McNabb. Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce, had a brief NFL career himself, playing offensive line for the Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals from 1985-1987 after going undrafted out of Indiana University. Through his father’s previous ties to the team, Jason was able to meet McNabb in person on several occasions.
“Getting to know Donovan and learn from him was huge for me. As a fellow Ohio guy, he took a real interest in me and my goals,” recalled Kelce. McNabb imparted wisdom about work ethic, leadership, and what it takes to succeed at the NFL level. More than just idle encouragement, McNabb’s guidance provided a tangible roadmap for Kelce as he embarked on his own football journey.
Kelce took McNabb’s advice to heart as he progressed through high school and eventually walked on to the University of Cincinnati football team as a center in 2007. Though he redshirted his first year, Kelce used the time to immerse himself in film study and strength training. His diligence paid off as he earned a starting role his redshirt freshman season in 2008. Over the next three years, Kelce developed into a standout player for the Bearcats. He anchored the offensive line, earned all-conference honors, and helped lead Cincinnati to a BCS bowl victory over Florida in the 2010 Sugar Bowl.
Kelce’s college success put him on the NFL draft radar. And as luck would have it, the team with the highest interest was the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce saw the opportunity to continue McNabb’s legacy with the franchise as an ideal situation. “Growing up in Philly and watching Donovan for so many years, I had come to love everything about the Eagles. To have a chance to play for that organization was a dream,” said Kelce. The Eagles selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft with hopes he could develop into their long-term center.
Kelce spent his rookie season adjusting to the professional level while learning behind veteran center Jamaal Jackson. But in 2012, he seized the starting job and never looked back. Over the next several seasons, Kelce established himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior blockers thanks to his intelligence, technique, and relentless motor. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2013 and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2014. Kelce’s emergence helped the Eagles offense thrive with stars like LeSean McCoy and quarterback Nick Foles.
Off the field, Kelce took on a leadership role much like McNabb had for the Eagles in years past. He became one of the primary voices in the huddle and locker room, rallying teammates and keeping spirits high even through adversity. “Donovan showed me what it takes to be a leader on and off the field. I learned so much just from watching him carry himself,” said Kelce. The example McNabb set of dedication, accountability, and positivity is one Kelce strived to model in his own career.
Kelce’s career reached new heights in 2017 when the Eagles made a magical Super Bowl run. He was a key piece in protecting franchise quarterback Carson Wentz and later Nick Foles as the team rolled through the playoffs. The culminating moment came in Super Bowl LII as the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33, giving the city of Philadelphia their first Lombardi Trophy. For Kelce, hoisting that championship trophy validated all the hard work and represented the fulfillment of aspirations that began as a young fan watching McNabb in Cleveland so many years ago.
“Looking back, I don’t think I ever could have imagined the journey I’ve been on since first being inspired by Donovan as a kid. To get to experience a Super Bowl championship with the same franchise he led for so long is just unbelievable,” reflected Kelce. McNabb’s impact extended far beyond the field as well – he taught Kelce invaluable life lessons about work ethic, perseverance, and using one’s platform to positively influence others. Those intangible qualities helped shape Kelce into not just an elite player, but also a leader who gave back to his Philadelphia community.
Now in his 10th NFL season, the 33-year-old Kelce shows no signs of slowing down. He continues anchoring the Eagles offensive line and remains one of the premier centers in the league. McNabb’s fingerprints are still evident in Kelce’s approach, as he strives every day to uphold the standard of excellence established by franchise greats before him. While their careers took different paths, McNabb’s influence was instrumental in molding Kelce into the player and person he is today. From sparking his initial passion as a fan to providing guidance and inspiration along the way, McNabb played a crucial role in Jason Kelce’s incredible football journey.
