Ed and Donna Kelce, parents of NFL stars Travis and Jason, have an inspiring story of love, perseverance, and family. Donna grew up in Cleveland, overcoming obstacles like her dad’s doubts about women in sports. She secretly competed in track, made it to the Junior Olympics, and, with help from her stepmom, Mary, became the first in her family to graduate college. Ed, also from Cleveland, started in the military before moving to the steel industry due to health issues. They both taught their kids the value of hard work, with Ed even taking Travis and Jason to his steel mill to show them firsthand.
Their love story started with a chance meeting at a bar, and they raised their sons in Cleveland Heights, where competition was everything. Jason and Travis, just 23 months apart, turned everything into a contest—from who got to the front seat first to who finished dinner fastest. That competitive edge helped fuel their success. Both played football at the University of Cincinnati before hitting the NFL. Donna and Ed always supported them, even driving 1,300 miles in one day to attend both their playoff games in 2022.
The 2023 Super Bowl was huge for the Kelces, with Jason’s Eagles facing Travis’s Chiefs in the first-ever “Kelce Bowl.” Donna wore a split jersey to support both teams, while Ed was ready to comfort whichever son lost. The Chiefs won, but Jason had a touching moment with his mom afterward.
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How The Kelces’ Sibling Rivalry And Family Bond Led To NFL Stardom
Jason and Travis, born so close together, always competed with each other growing up. Whether it was who could get to the car first or who was the fastest, that sibling rivalry was a big part of their childhood. But it pushed them to succeed. After excelling in college football, they both made it to the NFL. Donna and Ed, the parents of Travis and Jason Kelce, were there for all of it, traveling to games and supporting their sons through every step of their journey.
As Travis’s relationship with Taylor Swift made headlines in 2023, the Kelces embraced the attention. They’ve spent time with Taylor, and both Donna and Ed have praised her for being sweet and down-to-earth. Taylor even invited Ed to one of her concerts, showing how close they’ve become. It’s clear the Kelces are just as kind and welcoming as they are supportive.
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Now that Jason has retired in 2024, Ed has moved closer to him in Philadelphia, and Donna is still shining—recently named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year. Donna says being a mom has been her life’s most challenging but most rewarding job. Ed and Donna Kelce have been the steady, loving foundation behind two of the NFL’s biggest stars through all the ups and downs.
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