Former NFL star Jason Kelce has unleashed a fiery defense of Taylor Swift, his brother Travis Kelce’s girlfriend, after she faced a barrage of boos at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. The incident, which saw Swift jeered by Philadelphia Eagles fans when shown on the Superdome’s jumbotron, has sparked a heated controversy, with Jason publicly calling out his younger brother for failing to defend the pop superstar. In a scathing outburst on their New Heights podcast, Jason demanded that Travis “man up” and protect Swift in public, igniting a firestorm of debate among fans and media.

The booing incident occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs’ crushing defeat to the Eagles, a game that was already a tough night for Travis, who managed only four receptions for 39 yards. Swift, watching from a VIP suite alongside friends like the Haim sisters and Ice Spice, appeared visibly stunned when the crowd’s jeers echoed through the stadium. Lip reader Nicola Hickling revealed to Daily Mail that Swift’s response was a quiet, “Aww, what, what’s going on,” before she turned to a friend. Sources close to Travis reported that he felt “helpless” seeing Swift’s distress, with one insider noting, “It broke his heart. He always protects her.”

Jason, a Philadelphia native and former Eagles center, didn’t hold back on the podcast, addressing the incident head-on. “I get it, Philly fans are passionate, but booing Taylor? That’s low,” he said. “She’s there supporting her man, and you’re gonna turn her into a punching bag because she’s from Pennsylvania and used to wear Eagles gear? That’s weak.” He then turned his ire on Travis, saying, “Trav, you gotta say something, man. You’re her guy. She’s taking heat for you, and you’re staying silent? Man up and protect her in public, not just behind closed doors.” Jason’s comments, delivered with his characteristic bluntness, have divided fans, with some praising his loyalty and others questioning his public call-out of his brother.

The backlash against Swift has been linked to her Pennsylvania roots and past support for the Eagles, which some fans view as a betrayal now that she’s dating a Chiefs star. Additionally, former President Donald Trump’s unprompted Truth Social post during the Super Bowl weekend, claiming he was the reason Swift was “no longer hot,” added fuel to the fire. Travis reportedly found Trump’s comments “unnecessary,” but his decision to remain silent publicly has drawn scrutiny, especially from Jason. “Travis knows it hurt her, and anyone can see that,” a source told Daily Mail. “He’s livid, but he’s keeping quiet to avoid opening another can of worms.”

The Kelce brothers’ close bond, a cornerstone of their $100 million New Heights podcast, has been tested by the incident. Jason, who retired from the NFL in 2024 after 13 seasons, has been a vocal supporter of Swift since her relationship with Travis began in September 2023. He’s attended her Eras Tour shows and praised her as “immensely talented” and a “role model for young women” in a February 2024 interview with WCPO 9. His protective streak was evident last November when he smashed a fan’s phone after a homophobic slur was directed at Travis over his relationship with Swift, an action he later expressed regret for on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.

Swift and Travis, both 35, have faced intense scrutiny since going public, with their relationship fueling both adoration and criticism. Swift’s presence at NFL games has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans cheering her support for Travis and others, like the Eagles crowd, expressing disdain. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended Swift, calling her a “remarkable performer” and dismissing claims that her appearances are scripted for viewership. Despite the Super Bowl boos and a Grammy snub, the couple has remained strong, with sources telling PEOPLE they’re “in a really solid place” and savoring rare downtime together.

Jason’s public demand for Travis to speak out has sparked debate about the pressures of fame and loyalty. Swifties have rallied behind Jason, with one X post calling him “the ultimate hype man for Taylor,” while others argue he overstepped by airing family tensions. Travis has yet to respond publicly, but insiders say the couple is “re-evaluating” their public appearances to avoid further backlash. As the controversy simmers, the Kelce brothers and Swift face a new chapter in navigating their high-profile lives, with Jason’s fiery defense underscoring the fierce loyalty that defines their family.