Jason Kelce has been long retired from the NFL, but is still popular as ever. Often considered one of the best centers in the sport, he has been active in the sport by providing analysis on games and other matters.
While his younger brother Travis Kelce is still in the NFL as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jason is known to be active in NFL matters even from off the field. He recently debunked a major hoax.
Jason Kelce clears up viral ‘waterboy’ claim
Recently, a social media post went viral that claimed that waterboys in the NFL is a real position. The X account named Dov Kleiman claimed that these waterboys earn more than $3,000 per game. They can potentially earn more than $50,000 per season, if they are present at all games.
Jason Kelce
Dec 1, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Monday Night Countdown’s Jason Kelce talks during the pregame show prior to the game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Furthermore, the account claimed that they also receive tips, and also have to attend practice sessions, locker room talks, and travel with the team. The post also included a picture of someone squirting water into the mouth of Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz. It got viral with many wondering whether the information is true or not. However, the post came to the attention of Jason who decided to debunk it.
Jason shared the post, and he then explained what the situation really was. He said that there was no official waterboy position, and even identified the person in the attached photo as Joe O’Pella. He explained, “The guy squirting water into Zach Ertz’s mouth is Joe O’Pella. He’s an athletic trainer that’s been with the team for over 15 years at this point. NFL teams don’t really have water boys, athletic trainers are usually the ones responsible for having water on the practice field and during games, but this post is absolutely hilarious.”
Jason further added, “A guy who rehabbed my ACL tear in my second year, has a masters degree from Pitt, and has years of experience keeping Eagles players healthy and on the field being called a “Waterboy” is crazy, and I’m already giving him shit for it, but good lord this post is so wildly misleading. Either way, thought I’d clear the air, that the people with Water Bottles during games actually serve much bigger roles on NFL Teams.” With Jason clearing things up, many fans attacked the account, and thanked the former NFL center.
Fans appreciate Jason Kelce for clarifying misinformation
Many started to slam the X account for spreading misinformation after Jason clarified the actual version.
One user said, “Athletic trainers everywhere appreciate you educating the puboic on this. It is an easy mistake to make/assume so your coming out with this information is invaluable. Thank you”.
A second user wrote, “On the one hand, it’s endearing that you immediately came to have the trainer’s back. On the OTHER hand, I want to be a water boy for $50k so I choose not to believe you ☹️”.
A third user commented, “Jason, as someone studying for my boards for athletic training, THANK YOU. Athletic trainers do way more than giving people water and taping ankles. I was already a huge fan of yours, this made me respect you even more. You’re the best Jason! Go Birds!”
Another added, “A clown account for sure, but good on you to shout out all the athletic trainers out there working their asses off getting you guys ready to go. They don’t get enough recognition/credit. Happy to have helped with Otho Davis Foundation in the past!”
A fifth user replied, “Tell em Jason. And athletic trainers are still wildly underpaid.”
A sixth user remarked, “Thank you for this. We athletic trainers appreciate that you appreciate us.”
Jason Kelce is being much appreciated for cleaning up mistakes even when he is long retired.