Jason Kelce was visibly emotional on live television just before the Philadelphia Eagles kicked off against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. This followed his moving ESPN feature with current Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen. The story, part of ESPN’s Veterans Week programming, centred on Steen’s grandfather, US Marine Sergeant Rodney Maxwell Davis. Davis was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honour after sacrificing his life in Vietnam to save five of his platoon members.
Kelce, usually known for his humour, heart, and connection with NFL fans, struggled to hold back tears as the feature concluded. “I mean, listen, he saved five other soldiers that day. Those soldiers have had kids…” he began, before pausing mid-sentence, fighting back tears.
“Over 50 people are alive today because of that decision. And he did that, leaving behind a two-year-old,” Kelce continued. His co-host and former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears also began to tear up beside him.
“And as Veterans Day approaches, it’s a reminder of the sacrifice that many people make every day so we can sit on this desk, enjoy this game. It’s a truly remarkable story about a very selfless man.
“And Tyler Steen gets to honour him and his entire family tonight. It’s a testament to his entire family.”
This feature was part of ESPN’s tributes marking the 250th birthday of the US Marine Corps.
Eagles lineman Steen reflected on the poignant fact that his grandfather was the same age as he is now when he tragically lost his life. Rodney Maxwell Davis joined the Marine Corps in 1961 and died heroically, throwing himself on a grenade to shield his fellow Marines.
His bravery earned him the Medal of Honour, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Military Merit Medal. His Medal of Honour award was notably featured in the biographical war film Hacksaw Ridge.
For Kelce, this story marked a stark contrast from an otherwise light-hearted day. Earlier on Monday, he made an appearance on Good Morning America to discuss his transition into broadcasting, confessing that while he misses the camaraderie of the locker room, he’s getting used to the media hustle.
By the afternoon, he was handing out cheese curds to Packers fans outside Lambeau Field, bantering with locals, and sharing viral moments from his wife Kylie’s Not Gonna Lie podcast. He even swapped roles with Peyton Manning for a Changing Places segment.
This amusing segment saw Kelce donning a full Colts quarterback uniform, while Manning took on the role of centre and pushed a lineman’s striking pad. Both of them burst into laughter as the scene unfolded, with just seven minutes remaining before kick-off.
This article first appeared on Mirror US.