Jason Kelce Explains If He Has ‘FOMO’ for Not Playing in Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl

Former Philadelphia Eagles center turned ESPN analyst Jason Kelce speaks at a game on Monday night. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

His former team will compete against his brother Travis and the Chiefs this Sunday.

In his first year of retirement, Jason Kelce’s Philadelphia Eagles are back in the Super Bowl and competing against his brother, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, which the Chiefs won.

Is it weird for the elder Kelce that he won’t be playing with his former team, where he spent 13 seasons, against his own brother? Does he have FOMO, a.k.a., fear of missing out?

Nope, Kelce’s fine with being retired.

“I wouldn’t say I have FOMO,” Kelce said to TODAY.com. “I mean, obviously, when you’re a former player, you think that there’s always a part of you that wants to be out on the field. You think that there’s always a part that’s going to want to play. But the reality is, I’m very happy with the decision I made still. For me, I was done playing football for a number of reasons.”

Kelce will be in attendance at the game in New Orleans on Sunday, though, alongside his wife Kylie and their three daughters, and his parents Ed and Donna. The former Eagles player and his wife, who is a diehard Eagles fan, both shared that they aren’t rooting one way or another. Kylie detailed reasons for both teams on her podcast Not Gonna Lie last week, and explained how she will just be “cheering” at the game. Their daughters will be wearing shirts to support “Uncle Trav,” though.

Jason Kelce, former Philadelphia Eagles center, retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons, will watch the Eagles face the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. Despite his brother Travis Kelce’s desire for him to play another year, Jason is content with his decision to retire, prioritizing family time over football.

Credit: Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch, but this time, Jason Kelce won’t be snapping the ball for his beloved team. Instead, the former Eagles center, who announced his retirement in March 2024 after 13 remarkable seasons, will be watching from the stands. The game carries a unique emotional weight, as it marks the second time the Kelce brothers—Jason and Travis—could have faced off in the championship, echoing their historic Super Bowl LVII clash that ended in a 38-35 victory for the Chiefs.

Jason Kelce Addresses ‘FOMO’ Ahead of the Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl

With his former team returning to the grandest stage in football, some might assume Jason is experiencing FOMO (fear of missing out). However, the veteran center is firm in his decision.
“I wouldn’t say I have FOMO (fear of missing out),” Kelce told TODAY.com. “I mean, obviously, when you’re a former player, you think that there’s always a part of you that wants to be out on the field. You think that there’s always a part that’s going to want to play.”

Yet, for the six-time All-Pro, the choice to step away was made with clarity. “But the reality is, I’m very happy with the decision I made still. For me, I was done playing football for a number of reasons,” he added.

While he won’t be in uniform, Jason will still be part of the spectacle in New Orleans, supporting both teams with his family. He, along with his wife Kylie, their three daughters, and parents Ed and Donna, will be in attendance. Though the former Eagles star remains deeply connected to the team, he and Kylie have made it clear they won’t be rooting for either side. Kylie, a passionate Eagles supporter, acknowledged on her podcast Not Gonna Lie that she’ll be “cheering” rather than favoring one team. However, their daughters will be donning shirts in support of their “Uncle Trav.”

For Travis Kelce, this Super Bowl brings mixed emotions. While he is chasing history—trying to help the Chiefs secure an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory—he acknowledges that his older brother’s presence on the field will be missed.

During a press conference leading up to the big game, the Chiefs’ star tight end didn’t hesitate when asked if he wished Jason were still playing. “Of course,” Travis responded. His brother’s retirement has been an adjustment, one that still feels surreal.

“I’ll never forget, obviously, it’s being so close to him retiring,” Travis admitted. “I wish he would have played another year, but you know, he’s very content where he is in life right now and I’m happy to help.”

Despite the emotional tug of seeing his brother step away from football, Travis understands Jason’s priorities have shifted. “He gets to be around his family girls a little bit more, you know?” he added, recognizing the time Jason now has to focus on life beyond football.

If the Chiefs manage to secure another Super Bowl win, it will further cement their dynasty, making NFL history in the process. But for Jason, the game isn’t just about titles anymore. While the competitive fire may still flicker, he is at peace with the transition. As the Eagles battle for redemption against the Chiefs, Jason Kelce won’t be in the trenches—but his legacy, leadership, and love for the game will undoubtedly be felt.