Jason Kelce took a playful jab at his brother, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, during a brief appearance at the ESPY Awards on Thursday. Venus Williams, a tennis legend who co-hosted the event with her sister Serena Williams, asked the former Philadelphia Eagles center via video call about his sibling’s previous appearances at the award show.
“Do you think it over-inflated his ego?” Venus Williams inquired.
“Eh, I don’t think it was the ESPYs that did that,” Jason Kelce quipped, poking fun at his brother and “New Heights” podcast co-host.
Travis Kelce, along with his girlfriend Taylor Swift, who is currently on her Eras Tour overseas, did not attend this year’s ESPYs despite the Kansas City Chiefs being nominated in the Best Team category. However, Travis did receive a mention in Serena Williams’ opening monologue, where she humorously referred to him as “Taylor Swift’s boyfriend” who won the Super Bowl this past season.
Venus Williams, who earlier in the segment joked about being “worried” about her sister’s hosting gig, also spoke to other athletes who are part of famous sports sibling duos. This included Eli Manning and Seth Curry, brothers of Peyton Manning and Stephen Curry, respectively.
“When Peyton hosted the ESPYs, did all the fanfare give him a big head?” Venus Williams asked Eli Manning.
“Well, you know it’s hard to say. Peyton had a pretty big head beforehand — like literally, his head has multiple time zones,” the former New York Giants quarterback joked.
The playful banter between Jason and Travis Kelce is a staple of their relationship, often showcased on their “New Heights” podcast. The brothers frequently discuss various topics, including sports, music, and their personal lives, always with a touch of humor and sibling rivalry.
In a recent episode of their podcast, Jason Kelce expressed his disdain for modern country music, contrasting it with the authenticity of older country and hip-hop music. “Hip-hop in the nineties and hip-hop in the eighties when it was done by, like, dudes that were living that life hits way different than, like, now when it’s like auto-tune renditions,” he said. “It’s the same thing in country music. If I have to hear one more country song that’s like, ‘I got my boots in my truck going through the fields.’ Like, what the f— are we talking about? That’s not country music.”
Travis, on the other hand, mentioned that he enjoys some of the modern country music, leading to a light-hearted debate between the brothers about their musical preferences.
The ESPY Awards also highlighted the dynamics of other famous sports siblings. Venus Williams’ interactions with athletes like Eli Manning and Seth Curry provided a glimpse into how sibling rivalries and relationships play out in the world of professional sports.
“When Peyton hosted the ESPYs, did all the fanfare give him a big head?” Venus Williams asked Eli Manning.
“Well, you know it’s hard to say. Peyton had a pretty big head beforehand — like literally, his head has multiple time zones,” Eli Manning joked, echoing the playful tone of the evening.
The event was a celebration of sports achievements, but it also underscored the personal relationships and friendly rivalries that add a layer of humanity to the world of professional athletics. Jason Kelce’s jab at his brother Travis was a perfect example of this, showcasing the humor and camaraderie that often exist behind the scenes.
Despite not being present at the ESPYs, Travis Kelce’s influence was felt throughout the evening. His relationship with Taylor Swift and his achievements with the Kansas City Chiefs were topics of conversation, adding to the narrative of his larger-than-life persona.
The Kelce brothers’ playful rivalry and mutual respect were evident, as was the case with other sports siblings featured during the event. The ESPYs provided a platform for these athletes to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and, of course, engage in a bit of good-natured ribbing.
As the night progressed, it became clear that sibling rivalries, whether in sports or any other field, often come with a mix of competition, support, and humor. Jason Kelce’s mockery of Travis’ ego, Venus Williams’ questions about sibling dynamics, and the light-hearted exchanges between athletes all contributed to an evening that was as entertaining as it was celebratory.
In the end, the ESPY Awards not only honored the best in sports but also highlighted the personal connections and relationships that make these athletes relatable and human. The playful jabs, the shared stories, and the moments of genuine camaraderie made for a memorable event that celebrated both the achievements and the personalities of the sports world.
Source: People
