Almost 16 years since he played his last game at Nippert Stadium and two-plus years since he brought the “New Heights” podcast to UC with his brother Travis, Jason Kelce will have a grand return.
The oldest of the Kelce brothers will join an illustrious class of James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Famers that includes fellow former Bearcat and Eagle Connor Barwin and Naismith Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins.
Kelce is the final member of 50th Anniversary Class of 2026, which is presented by Performance Automotive. Also part of the class are track and field All-Americans Loretta Blaut and Wayne Mason, baseball career batting average leader Mike Kinnett, women’s soccer record-setting goalkeeper Christy Hoffman, and longtime athletic trainer Bob Mangine, who receives the Bob Goin Award for distinguished service.
The induction of Jason Kelce and company will be Oct. 23, the night before the UC vs. Texas Tech homecoming football game at Nippert Stadium.
Jason Kelce’s road from Cleveland Heights to Cincinnati to Philadelphia
Kelce came to the Bearcats as a walk-on running back, then as a linebacker, and eventually settled at center. The Eagles made him a sixth-round draft pick in 2011, and Kelce would go on to start 193 games and be part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII team.
Wearing a Mummer’s suit (a Philly New Year’s parade tradition), he entertained the crowd when the Eagles won the Vince Lombardi Trophy. He possibly graced the Philadelphia Museum of Art with its finest moment since Sylvester Stallone filmed the scene in “Rocky” running the steps.
At last check, the Mummer’s suit is in a trash bag in his basement.
Jason Kelce’s travels likely end with gold jacket in Canton
Playing for Mark Dantonio, Brian Kelly and Butch Jones for the Bearcats, Kelce played two seasons at guard and one at center. He won the 2010 John Pease Award for UC’s Outstanding Lineman and twice made second-team All-Big East.
Kelce spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Eagles and was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. It’s hard to think of the term “tush push” without seeing Kelce burrow under defenders.
The Kelce brothers famously faced off in Super Bowl 57 in 2023.
“I was just trying to make sure they made it to the next game,” former Bearcats coach Brian Kelly said to The Enquirer before the game. “They were great personalities. Jason was an emotional leader. He loved his teammates. He loved playing for Cincinnati.”
How to get UC Bearcats Hall of Fame induction tickets
Season ticket holders, UCATS members and C-Club members will have an exclusive week-long window to purchase $25 tickets to the Oct. 23 Hall of Fame induction, beginning Monday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 23, at 11:59 p.m.
Eligible members will receive an email Monday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. with a link to purchase tickets during the exclusive window. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. for $35.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Cincinnati Athletics’ Impact Fund, which provides critical resources to help the Bearcats recruit and retain top talent and compete for championships in the Big 12. Seating for the induction ceremony will be available on a first-come, first-served basis when doors open at 6 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-UC Bearcats center Jason Kelce joins 2026 Hall of Fame class
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
