Jason Kelce is no stranger to epic celebrations, and the Philadelphia Eagles’ latest Super Bowl parade was no exception. However, during the latest episode of New Heights, the recently retired NFL star revealed that his plans for the day took an unexpected turn—one that required a police escort to set things right.
Kelce, who spent 13 incredible seasons with the Eagles and still resides in the Philadelphia area, was in the heart of the action as the city celebrated the team’s dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. But while the parade was meticulously planned, Kelce and former teammate Brent Celek decided to take matters into their own hands—leading to a logistical misstep.
Going Off Route
Instead of staying with the team on the parade buses, Kelce and Celek opted for a different approach.
“We went on a different route,” Kelce shared. “We were like, ‘Alright, we’re not gonna go on the buses, we’re just gonna kind of meet those guys down there.’”
The two former Eagles took a detour to McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the oldest bar in Philadelphia, intending to make their way to the grand finale at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps—home to the iconic Rocky statue.
However, what seemed like a fun, spontaneous decision quickly became a logistical nightmare.
A Parade Detour Gone Wrong
“Big mistake. Nearly impossible,” Kelce admitted, laughing at the chaos that ensued.
With thousands of fans flooding the streets, the duo found themselves struggling to navigate through the crowds to reach the Art Museum. Fortunately, local law enforcement stepped in, providing Kelce and Celek with a police escort to help them reunite with the team.
“We got chauffeured there by some cops and stuff like that, found our way there,” Kelce added.
Despite the unexpected hiccup, Kelce made it to the celebration in style—arriving at the parade’s final destination with a beer in hand, embodying the spirited energy that Philly fans love about him.
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Reflecting on Philly’s Legendary Parade Culture
Having experienced both of the Eagles’ Super Bowl parades—first as a player in 2018 after the team’s unforgettable win over the New England Patriots, and now in retirement—Kelce had nothing but praise for the city’s ability to throw a championship celebration.
“Philadelphia knows how to do parades,” he said enthusiastically. “There’s a few things they know how to do extremely well—parades is one of them. … It was absolutely electric.”
Kelce went on to describe what makes these moments so special, emphasizing how meaningful it is to share such a joyous occasion with the people of Philadelphia.
“There’s something so incredible about sharing in a moment with that many people,” he continued. “Like, millions of people are lining one street in Philadelphia and down at the Art Museum steps. And it’s so apparent how much joy and pleasure you as a football player … was able to provide for an entire city.”
A Philadelphia Icon
As one of the most beloved figures in Eagles history, Kelce received a hero’s welcome from fans when he finally made it to the parade’s main stage. Lifting his cap in appreciation, he soaked in the love from the Philly faithful—fans who have embraced him since he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Throughout his career, Kelce became a cornerstone of the Eagles franchise, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and helping deliver the city its first-ever Super Bowl championship. His fiery leadership, unmatched dedication, and larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite, and even in retirement, his bond with Philadelphia remains as strong as ever.
While his days as the Eagles’ starting center may be over, one thing is certain—Jason Kelce will always be a Philly legend.
And if another Super Bowl parade comes around in the future, don’t be surprised if he finds himself at the center of the party once again…hopefully with a clearer route this time.
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