The Untold Story of Ed Kelce: Revealing the Heart and Soul Behind Travis and Jason Kelce's Success

While Donna Kelce is front and center at sons Travis and Jason Kelce’s games, their dad, Ed Kelce, is tied for their biggest fan.

Ed, affectionately known as Papa Kelce, quietly provides unwavering support to his sons as they tirelessly excel in the NFL. In 2011 and 2013, Jason and Travis were drafted, etching their names in history as the pioneering sibling duo to compete against each other in the celebrated Super Bowl of 2023.

Ed was ready for the intense game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. He acknowledged that at 10 o'clock on Sunday night, there would be one team heartbroken and another team celebrating. Ed expressed his determination to handle the outcome as effectively as possible when he spoke to the Los Angeles Times in February 2023, prior to the Chiefs' championship victory.

Keep scrolling to get to know Papa Kelce:

1. Did Ed Kelce Play Sports?

Growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ed enjoyed playing baseball and football. Unfortunately, his sports career came to an abrupt end during his senior year of high school due to a knee injury. However, Ed's love for sports lived on as he coached his sons, Travis and Jason, who were just beginning to discover their own passion for athletics.

In a February 2023 episode of their podcast "New Heights," Ed expressed his role as a parent and coach, saying, "I'm here to guide you in finding your passion and nurturing it. Whatever path you choose, I'll be there to support you." Ed recognized the extraordinary talents his sons possessed, even as early as middle school, and it was clear to him that they had something truly special.

2. What Is Ed Kelce’s Job?

Ed's initial desire to enlist in the military was thwarted when he was turned down due to his knee injury and the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Nevertheless, he opted to pursue a career as a sales representative in the steel industry. During Travis and Jason's upbringing, Ed would bring them to the steel mill, providing them with firsthand exposure to his profession. Recalling this, Ed shared with the Los Angeles Times in February 2023, "I would bring them along, ensuring they wore hard hats, safety glasses, and boots, making the experience authentic. I would say, 'You have the option of a job akin to your mother's or one like mine.'"

Ed is now retired.

3. How did Ed Kelce Meet Donna Kelce?

On the "New Heights" podcast, Ed and Donna revealed that they crossed paths under unexpected circumstances. While Donna was initially meant to be on a date with another man, fate led her to a local bar where Ed happened to be enjoying a drink after work. As soon as they started talking, a special connection sparked between them.

Sharing the amusing anecdote with her sons, Donna joked, "We were actually supposed to go to a play, but I never made it. Your dad and I ended up chatting for hours at the bar. It's a shame because I had been really looking forward to seeing that play!"

Ed, who admitted he was still covered in grime from his time spent at the steel lab, was kindly offered a ride home by Donna. Unwilling to let the evening come to a close, Ed opted to spruce up and take her out to a different bar.

4. When Did Ed Kelce and Donna Kelce Divorce?

Following nearly 25 years of marriage, Ed and Donna called it quits after Travis and Jason both had graduated from college.

Ed explained in the Kelce documentary that splitting up would have been a logistical nightmare, with the challenge of coordinating the children's activities and providing necessary support. However, despite their divorce, the former couple maintains a positive relationship and continues to support their sons by attending their games together.

“I don’t despise him. To this day, we remain friends. We have an excellent rapport,” Donna mentioned during the podcast. “The two of you were like a dynamic duo. We had the opportunity to engage in numerous enjoyable activities. Whenever one of you needed to be away, the other person would lend a hand with the other child. It was an ideal arrangement.”

5. Where Does Ed Kelce Live?

In this article

Ed resides in a suburban area just outside of Philadelphia, which happens to be a short distance away from Jason and his family. During his leisure time, Ed wholeheartedly embraces the role of a caring grandfather to Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett, who are the three lovely daughters of Jason and his wife Kylie.

Jason Kelce

Travis Kelce