Travis and Jason Kelce Conclude 'New Heights' Live at University of Cincinnati Graduation Event

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce End New Heights Live Show With Surprise UC College Graduation Ceremony

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce Courtesy of Dan Hoard/X

Travis and Jason Kelce wrapped up their live “New Heights” podcast recording at the University of Cincinnati with a joyful ending.

The brothers were unexpectedly treated to a special college graduation ceremony at the Fifth Third Arena on Thursday, April 11. Travis, 34, and Jason, 36, had missed their own UC graduation ceremonies, so this surprise was truly meaningful. Their parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, were also present on stage to share in the celebration.

Travis was unable to walk at his college graduation ceremony in 2012 because he didn't return a football helmet the school said he lost. However, he was finally given the missing helmet on Thursday, allowing him to finish his college journey. (Travis and Jason both played football at UC.)

"Travis and Jason Kelce both got their University of Cincinnati degrees but missed out on the graduation ceremonies. UC is making it right tonight," sports radio personality Dan Hoard wrote alongside a picture of the duo in graduation attire on stage.

Hoard posted a video on his X account showing Travis receiving his diploma in a unique way - by chugging a drink before shaking hands with a UC professor, "Travis Kelce style."

During the podcast taping, Travis was asked to give some "words of wisdom" as an honorary student commencement speaker. Before officially starting, he shared some advice: "You gotta fight for your right to party!" quoting a line from his favorite Beastie Boys track, "Fight For Your Right."

Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce End New Heights Live Show With Surprise UC College Graduation Ceremony 2

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The UC Bearcats’ official X page shared pictures of a surprise commencement for Travis and Jason. The post congratulated them on finally receiving their diplomas.

Travis and Jason’s special episode of “New Heights” was originally planned to be filmed outdoors at the football stadium. However, it had to be moved indoors due to bad weather. Their parents attended the event, and Jason’s wife, Kylie Kelce, also showed up. When she appeared on camera, the 32-year-old Kylie playfully hid behind a printout of Jason’s face.

Donna showed her support for her sons by wearing her Chiefs/Philadelphia Eagles jersey and bringing a bouquet of balloons with balloon versions of their football jerseys. The “New Heights” X account shared a picture of Donna at her boys’ first arena show, captioning it with “Mama Kelce wouldn’t miss her boys’ first arena show ️” on Thursday.

Travis’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was not present at the “New Heights” taping with the Kelce family. However, the Kansas City Chiefs star gave a special shout-out to the pop star. He was spotted dancing to her hit song “Shake It Off” in social media footage from the event, expressing that the 1989 track is “one of my favorites.”

Editor's P/S:

The heartwarming story of Travis and Jason Kelce receiving their belated college diplomas from the University of Cincinnati is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of celebrating milestones, no matter how belatedly. Their journey, marked by both unexpected obstacles and joyful surprises, highlights the value of embracing opportunities and finding fulfillment even in unexpected ways. The presence of their parents and the playful antics of Travis's wife added a layer of warmth and camaraderie to the occasion, making it a truly special moment for the Kelce family.

The fact that Travis was unable to walk at his original graduation ceremony due to a lost helmet adds a touch of irony to his eventual triumph. However, it also underscores the importance of not letting setbacks define us and finding creative ways to overcome challenges. Travis's decision to chug a drink before receiving his diploma, a nod to his signature celebration style, serves as a reminder to embrace our individuality and find joy in the little moments.