PHILADELPHIA — Before taking a bite out of a hog wing — essentially a pork shank covered in a dry rub and slathered in barbecue sauce — Jason Kelce assured fans that he would be a genuine food critic. The Eagles’ supporters were buzzing around the grill, eager to capture a moment with this beloved figure known for his vibrant pregame energy.
Navigating through enthusiastic Eagles fans in the parking lot, Kelce delighted in the festivities, consuming beers, posing for pictures, and engaging in high-fives with excited children. His adventure brought him to a stop at Danny McCormick’s RV, where an array of mouth-watering delicacies awaited him.
When presented with the hefty hog shank that resembled a turkey leg, Kelce pondered the best way to tackle it. An excited fan suggested he “tear that thing apart!” With his background as a podcaster and entrepreneur during his retirement, Kelce didn’t hesitate and bit right into the juicy meat.
“Wow! Did you create this?” he exclaimed after savoring the flavor. “I’ve never tried anything like it before, but this is fantastic!”
On this game day against Cleveland, a camera crew followed Kelce, alongside a friend distributing beverages from Kelce’s joint venture with his brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce rallied the crowd with renditions of the Eagles fight song, “Fly, Eagles, Fly,” and led fans in the spirited chant, “No one likes us, we don’t care,” which gained prominence during the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season in 2017.
As he approaches his 37th birthday next month, Kelce’s retirement came after a distinguished 13-year career, all spent with the Eagles. He is renowned both for his skills as a center and his charismatic personality, instrumental in the team’s historic Super Bowl title.
McCormick, hailing from Washington Township, New Jersey, represents a long-standing generation of Eagles season-ticket holders dating back to 1940. After their encounter, Kelce left McCormick with a unique keepsake that surpassed the typical autograph—a discarded pork shank bone.
“I’m going to preserve this and put it in a frame inside my motorhome,” McCormick declared with a smile, cherishing the unexpected memorabilia from the beloved player.