In Flourtown, Pennsylvania, echoes of “Go Birds” followed Jason Kelce along the golf course as the recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center took to the field. The Truist pro-am near Philly saw its fair share of thrills, as Kelce, now turning his competitive spirit to golf, navigated a round with more fanfare than birdies.
Kelce, grappling with the transition from the gridiron to the green, openly sought advice from the public through Reddit. "Now that I’ve hung up the cleats, I’m trying to get serious about my golf game," he wrote, seeking critiques on his swing from amateurs and pros alike.
Feedback poured in, some of it unexpectedly educational. "There’s been some stuff so far that’s been like, ‘Holy cow, I never thought about it like that,’" Kelce admitted, excited by new insights that could potentially enhance his game.
The event was an example of Kelce’s charisma — embracing his role as everyman athlete, he took the time to talk to budding sports journalists and anxious fans. Panzer, a young sports broadcaster, chatted with him about the "New Heights" podcast he hosts with his brother, showcasing the power of athletes interacting with their fan base directly.
Kelce charmed the crowd, signing memorabilia and accepting gifts, all amidst the camaraderie of fans who couldn't resist a nod to Philly pride. The pro-am featured not only Kelce’s former prowess on the field but his engaging persona that’s made him a local icon. A particularly memorable moment saw Kelce encountering a "Go Birds" enthusiast wind up with a Kelce stray causing unintended drama — "I didn’t spill my drink," joked the affected fan, who shrugged off the encounter with good humor.
Though his golf game is a work in progress, Kelce's presence highlighted Philadelphia’s passionate sports culture. "Philly is an unbelievable golf hub," he acknowledged, noting the city’s iconic courses slated to host major future events like the 2026 PGA Championship.
The road from NFL center to competitive golfer may be unconventional, but for a figure like Kelce, it’s just the next chapter in a story defined by connecting with fans and enjoying the game.
