Following an appearance in the Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles have had little controversy this NFL offseason. Since people need something to talk about, a controversy has popped up around Jason Kelce and his parenting tactics with his daughters following Eagles’ practices.
The Philadelphia legend discussed the latest conundrum with his brother and All-Pro TE Travis Kelce on their podcast “New Heights.”
What Is the Controversy Surrounding Jason Kelce?
Social media consumers are dad-shaming Kelce for “playing fetch” with his children. Viral video clips have circulated showing Kelce throwing the ball off in the distance for his daughters to chase after.
It must be the dog days of summer if we’re talking about playing fetch with kids. (See what I did there.)
MORE: Jason Kelce Lauds Wife Ahead of Netflix Documentary
Kelce is playing with his kids after Eagles practice and is exhausted. Kelce is also 35 years old and playing a younger man’s game, so perhaps the wear and tear on his body takes a bit of a toll.
Lastly, people are judging this guy immediately after work. Does anyone want to be judged for catching their breath after work? As always, the internet has its outrage.
What Did Kelce Say About The Topic?
Appearing on “New Heights,” Jason was teed up by brother Travis, “The biggest controversy out of the Eagles training camp, Jason — You were officially dad-shamed.”
To all the haters, don’t be jealous that Jason’s daughters got that dog in them 😅 pic.twitter.com/vrJ7MWTw4s
— New Heights (@newheightshow) September 1, 2023
Jason Kelce brushed off the rhetoric. “After practice, I’m not gonna lie, not a lot of juice left. All they want to do is run around and play, so I gotta think of something to get them running. That day, it was ‘go fetch the ball.’ We tried to play catch, but they’re not great at catching footballs. All they want to do is run.”
What Did Kylie Kelce Say About the Controversy?
Jason’s wife, Kylie, supported her husband by saying — “Just say you don’t have toddlers.”
Don't dad-shame Jason Kelce!
Jason's wife Kylie claps back at Internet haters who criticized the Eagles center for playing a game of football "fetch."https://t.co/EehJBw67s0
— OutKick (@Outkick) August 4, 2023
The Kelce family doubled down on their clapback as they brought their actual dog to practice and made a video.
What Did Social Media Say?
Some compared it to getting Dad a beer.
Fetch me a beer, daddy is thirsty. I am just glad my kids can speall IPA
— Choderus (@DrClumpy) September 1, 2023
Other social media correspondents compared Kelce playing with his kids to children searching for their mothers’ misplaced purses.
They’re back! So excited! Who hasn’t played fetch with their kids? Hey, go find mom’s purse!
— Carcar681 (@carcar681) September 1, 2023
Instead of peak-level fatherhood, some suggested this was “pet” level fatherhood. Punny indeed.
man is playing ‘fetch’ with his kids lol this is pet level fatherhood.
— Brendon Foye (@SirBrendon) August 2, 2023
Some saw a method to Kelce’s madness. As anyone with young children with pent-up energy can attest to, running them out before the car ride home is a sound strategy.
my man is playing fetch with his kids to get their energy out before the car ride home 😂😂 @JasonKelce https://t.co/LAPBOvSLO8
— Uncle ru (@ohhRUDITH) August 2, 2023
And then some wish to criticize and question the “quality time” with his daughters.
Hahaha. I don't know if I'd call that quality time with his daughters. Basically, he's playing "fetch" the ball with them while mostly laying on his back. To be fair, I'm sure he's really tired after practice, but so are a lot of Dad's after work.
— Bud Lanctot (@bud_lanctot) August 2, 2023