The siblings were surprised with an unofficial commencement ceremony during a recent live taping of their 'New Heights' podcast.
Jason Kelce had a bone to pick with Travis Kelce on Wednesday's episode of New Heights. The NFL star siblings addressed the backlash Travis received for chugging a beer during a surprise commencement ceremony in their honor -- and Jason had a hot take on the whole situation.
First, Travis and Jason shared their stories from last week's epic New Heights live show at the University of Cincinnati's Fifth Third Arena, with the Kansas City Chiefs star offering a clarification on why he gulped down a beer while accepting his official diploma in a full cap and gown as the Beastie Boys' 1986 hit, "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)," fittingly played in the background.
"We ended the night in truly epic fashion," Travis said, explaining that both he and Jason had already completed their respective degrees years ago. "So all of you thinking this was a graduation ceremony because we just finished our degrees and it was a very serious thing -- we appreciate Cincinnati's president and athletic director for doing this, but it was kinda just a fun way to close out the night."
He went on, "Hopefully you guys can understand that me chugging the beer was because I had a beer in my hand and I had to receive the diploma, so I had to get the beer out of my hand in some way. Might as well finish it! It just happened to be full."
At that point, Jason chimed in to roast his younger brother.
"Well, it kinda stayed full when you threw it on the ground and there was still beer pouring out of it," he declared.
Travis attempted to defend himself, saying that it was just foam.
"There's not that much foam in the can, Travis," Jason dug in.
"Yeah there is when you can't get the air flow and it's just, like, dumping out," Travis doubled down.
The sibling squabble continued, with Jason declaring, "If there's anything people should be upset with, it's the fact that you didn't finish the chug. That's why I was upset."
In the end, though, Jason of course had his brother's back.
"Sorry for everybody that got upset about this," he said. "I mean, it just wasn't that kind of event. It wasn't that serious. There were two women wrestling in a vat of chili before this. That's the athletic director posing with me. I've never been to a commencement ceremony because I skipped mine, but I'm pretty sure the athletic director isn't the person that hands you your diploma."
Jason previously came to his brother's defense when he replied to one user on X who questioned Travis' "antics," explaining that the moment was more lighthearted than it may have appeared in photos.
"I know it looks like a graduation from the video, but this was actually at the end of a New Heights Live podcast that we put on to raise money for the University's NIL," he explained. "The university did this to poke fun at my brother and I for never really picking up our diplomas."
According to The Cincinnati Inquirer, Jason previously received his degree in marketing but did not attend his class commencement ceremony in 2010. As for Travis, who attended the university from 2008-2012, the outlet states that he completed his remaining credit hours in 2022 to earn his degree in interdisciplinary studies.
As for the fundraising aspect of the show, "NIL" refers to the the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)'s interim "Name, Image, Likeness" policy that allows student athletes to earn money from their personal brand.
The whole event was a family affair, with Jason and Travis posing for a photo op with their proud parents, Ed Kelce and Donna Kelce. Jason's wife, Kylie Kelce, was also in the audience.
Travis' girlfriend, Taylor Swift, did not appear to be in attendance, but her presence was certainly felt. At one point, Travis was seen enthusiastically moving his hips and dancing along to a marching band rendition of Taylor's "Shake It Off." Travis, of course, immediately chimed in saying, "Oh, I know this one!"
Days later, Travis and Taylor were spotted enjoying a low-key sushi date night in Los Angeles followed by a whirlwind visit to Indio, California, for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
The "Cruel Summer" singer and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end were seen happily embracing, dancing and even making out while enjoying the festivities.
Taylor is gearing up to release her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, on April 19. Then, next month, Travis will host his second annual Kelce Jam music fest, presented by Jim Beam. The festival goes down May 18 at Azura Amphitheater in Kansas City, Missouri. Some of this year's featured artists include Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and Diplo.
Amid their busy schedules, a source recently told ET that "Taylor and Travis are soaking up their downtime together. They are appreciating the here and now and the love they share with one other. When they're able to just chill out, they love to hang out with their friends and family, travel, see new things together, and enjoy their privacy."
The source added, "They are grateful to have each other along for the ride and advocate and support each other across the board. While they're enjoying this moment, they're looking forward to what the future holds too. They want to continue to grow together and be happy and healthy. Their friends and family are still as supportive as ever."
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