In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the transition from the regular season to the playoffs is usually a time of intense focus and strategic silence. However, for the Kelce brothers, it’s the perfect time to get “real, raw, and a little bit distracted.” The latest episode of the New Heights podcast delivered a masterclass in brotherly banter, career-defining reflections, and the inevitable pop-culture crossover that has made the Kelce name a household staple far beyond the football field.
The “Shitty Feeling” of a Tough Exit Travis Kelce didn’t sugarcoat the end of his season. Describing it as a “shitty feeling,” the star tight end opened up about the challenges of navigating a year where injuries plagued the roster and the team didn’t meet the high standards they set for themselves. “It’s a tough way to go out,” Travis admitted, reflecting on the 18-to-20-week “grind” that leaves a player feeling like a “mangy animal just finding a way to survive.” Despite the frustration of missing the playoffs, Travis expressed deep gratitude for his teammates who played through the pain for the “love of the game” even when there were no post-season stakes left to fight for.
A Record-Breaking 13th Year While the season may have ended prematurely for the Chiefs, Travis Kelce’s personal stats tell a story of legendary endurance. During the episode, the brothers reviewed a laundry list of historic achievements. Travis became the third tight end in NFL history to surpass 13,000 receiving yards, reaching the milestone faster than legends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
He also moved into eighth place for the most receptions in NFL history—a feat he credits to Coach Andy Reid’s continued trust. “Coach Reid dials me up… I’m fortunate that in my 13th year he was still trusting me to try and win him some ball games,” Travis shared. Additionally, he tied Tim Brown for the longest streak of seasons with 75+ receptions (10 seasons), which Jason jokingly referred to as a “LeBron stat.”
The Retirment Question: “I’ll Do It in a Heartbeat” Of course, the “Big Yeti’s” future was the elephant in the room. When asked what’s next, Travis revealed a focus on physical recovery. “I put my feet up and I just be a human,” he said of his post-season routine. While teammate Chris Jones has optimistically claimed Travis will definitely be back next year, Travis himself was more measured. He noted that while the “love for the game” is still very much there, the decision hinges on whether his body can handle another grueling 21-week run. “If my body can heal up and rest up… I would do it in a heartbeat,” he promised fans.
“Hey Tayyyy!”: The Moment Jason Snapped Travis Back The episode took a hilarious turn when the conversation veered into Taylor Swift territory. In a moment that has since gone viral among “Swifties” and football fans alike, Jason noticed Travis seemed a bit “lost in thought” while discussing the upcoming playoff matchups. With the protective and playful energy only an older brother can provide, Jason yelled “HEY TAYYYY!” to snap Travis back into the conversation.
The interaction served as a lighthearted reminder of the genuine happiness Travis has found lately, which Jason noted “radiates through the screen.” Whether discussing game film or his high-profile relationship, Travis’s energy shifted visibly, showcasing a side of the NFL superstar that the public has grown to love—one that is as passionate about his personal life as he is about his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Strategy, Rest, and the Road Ahead Jason also provided a veteran’s perspective on the Philadelphia Eagles’ controversial decision to rest their starters in the final week. Defending Coach Nick Sirianni, Jason pointed out the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” nature of the decision. Recalling his last year in 2023, Jason reminded fans how playing starters in a “meaningless” game led to key injuries for players like A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts. “At the end of the day, you still got to go through good teams to win the Super Bowl,” Jason argued, favoring the health of the roster over home-field seeding.
As the Kelce brothers look toward a January spent with family rather than on the field, their conversation serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity behind the helmets. From record-breaking stats to being “babe-called” back to reality by a sibling, the Kelce brothers continue to reach new heights in sports entertainment.