Jason Kelce fought back tears while on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown, as the Philadelphia Eagles legend was emotional when discussing a family member's military service
11:30 ET, 12 Nov 2025Updated 11:30 ET, 12 Nov 2025
Broadcaster Jason Kelce looks on prior to a game
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(Image: Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
Jason Kelce struggled to hold back tears on live TV just before the Philadelphia Eagles' kickoff against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, as he paid tribute to a real American hero.
The former Eagles center became upset after a moving ESPN feature with current Philadelphia offensive lineman Tyler Steen.
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The story, part of ESPN's Veterans Week programming, centered on Steen's grandfather, U.S. Marine Sergeant Rodney Maxwell Davis. Davis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after he sacrificed his life in Vietnam to save five members of his platoon.
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Kelce, typically known for his humor, heart, and rapport with NFL fans, found it hard to keep his composure as the feature ended, putting into perspective the NFL for a quick second.
"I mean, listen, he saved five other soldiers that day. Those soldiers have had kids..." he started, before pausing mid-sentence and fighting back tears. His fans are no strangers to this emotional side of him, having seen it during his retirement speech in 2024.
"Over 50 people are alive today because of that decision. And he did that, leaving behind a 2-year-old," Kelce went on. His co-host, former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears, also began to tear up beside him.
Jason Kelce got visibly emotional
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Jason Kelce got visibly emotional after the segment
"And as Veterans Day approaches, it's a reminder of the sacrifice that many people make every day so we can sit at this desk, enjoy this game. It's a truly remarkable story about a very selfless man.
"And Tyler Steen gets to honor him and his entire family tonight. It's a testament to his entire family."
The segment was part of ESPN's commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The 25-year-old Eagles offensive lineman spoke about the remarkable coincidence that his grandfather was exactly his current age when he died. Rodney Maxwell Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961 and perished after diving onto a grenade to save his fellow Marines.
Tyler Steen in action for the Eagles
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No. 56 for the Eagles Tyler Steen's grandfather was a hero
His bravery secured him the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Military Merit Medal. The military's highest decoration was featured prominently in the biographical war movie Hacksaw Ridge.
For Kelce, the segment marked a dramatic shift from a day filled with fun and games. Earlier that Monday, he had appeared on Good Morning America to talk about his move into broadcasting, acknowledging that while he yearns for the locker room atmosphere, he's adapting to the media hustle.
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Later in the day, he was handing out cheese curds to Packers supporters outside Lambeau Field, bantering with fans, and creating buzz-worthy moments tied to his wife Kylie's Not Gonna Lie podcast. He also switched roles with Peyton Manning during a Changing Places bit.
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The clip showed Kelce wearing a complete Colts quarterback outfit, while Manning took the center position and worked with a lineman's blocking dummy. Both men burst into laughter as the scenario unfolded, with seven minutes left before game time.