Donna Kelce, the mother of NFL stars Jason and Travis, has become a sensational figure in her own right. Following her prominent role in Super Bowl LVII, she has starred in commercials alongside her sons, enjoyed the company of Taylor Swift at Travis’s games, and even rubbed elbows with Jake from State Farm. As Donna basks in the spotlight, fans are left pondering the whereabouts of their father, Ed Kelce. This article delves into the life of Ed Kelce, providing insight into his career and his relationship with his sons.
Before the Super Bowl, Ed made an appearance on an episode of Jason and Travis’s New Heights podcast, presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment. On the podcast, he candidly discussed his life and his bond with his sons. Ed revealed that he grew up in a blue-collar area of Cleveland, Ohio as the oldest of two children. Though he attended college, he did not graduate, and instead enlisted in the Coast Guard. Unfortunately, he was unable to serve due to his battle with Crohn’s disease. Ed subsequently embarked on a career in sales within the steel industry.
During the podcast interview, Ed shared an endearing story of taking a seasonal job at a candy store to earn extra money for his sons’ Christmas gifts. When asked why he did this, Ed simply replied, “I had two kids that I was crazy about.” Additionally, he disclosed his passion for writing and mentioned that he is currently working on a book about his sons titled “Somebody to Grow Up With.” Ed expressed his desire to complete the book, saying, “I’ve got to get off my butt and finish it one day.”
As the first father to have two sons compete in the Super Bowl, Ed Kelce has every reason to be proud. Having been an athlete himself, participating in baseball, football, and rugby, Ed instilled a strong work ethic in his sons. Despite his tough love approach, always pushing them to do better even after successful performances, Ed coached Jason and Travis in various sports throughout their childhood. He fostered their love for baseball, hockey, basketball, and football, remarking that his role was to help them find their passions and support them wholeheartedly. It was evident to him from an early age that his sons possessed extraordinary talents.
Ed and Donna were married for 25 years before getting divorced. Donna disclosed on the podcast that she was on a date with another man when Ed approached her with a rather peculiar pick-up line. The couple talked about their marriage in the Kelce documentary, highlighting the challenges they faced in juggling their children’s sports activities and their financial responsibilities. Sacrifice became a prominent aspect of their lives, as they had to prioritize their children’s well-being above all else.
Despite their differences, Travis knew from a young age that his parents had an unhappy marriage. However, he acknowledged their efforts to stay together for his and Jason’s sake. Travis recognized that had they separated, it would have been extremely challenging logistically and emotionally. He appreciated his parents’ unwavering support throughout his upbringing.
Ed Kelce now enjoys the role of a grandfather to Jason’s three daughters, Wyatt Elizabeth, Elliotte Ray, and Bennett Llewellyn. He resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia, close to Jason, Kylie, and his beloved granddaughters. During a recent podcast episode, Jason mentioned that Travis gifted Wyatt a polaroid camera for her birthday, and “Papa Kelce” helped her set it up during the birthday celebration.
In conclusion, Ed Kelce may keep a lower profile than his sons and ex-wife, but his impact on their lives is immeasurable. From his career in sales to his supportive role as a father, Ed Kelce has played an integral part in shaping Jason and Travis into the successful individuals they are today.