If you’ve spent any time watching the Philadelphia Eagles or tuning into the New Heights podcast, you’ve probably wondered about the man behind the beard. Jason Kelce is a legend. He’s the guy who wore a Mummers outfit to a Super Bowl parade and delivered a speech that still gives Philly fans goosebumps. But as his fame has reached "Taylor Swift adjacent" levels of global recognition, fans have started digging into the specifics. One of the most common questions hitting search bars lately? Is Jason Kelce Italian?
It makes sense why people ask. The name "Kelce" has that vowels-at-the-end vibe if you pronounce it "Kel-see." Plus, there's the passion, the big family energy, and that Sunday dinner charisma. But if you’re looking for a direct line back to Sicily or Rome, you might be looking in the wrong part of the map.
The truth is a lot more "melting pot" than just one Mediterranean country.
The Mystery of the Kelce Surname
Honestly, for the longest time, even the Kelce brothers weren't entirely sure how to handle their own name. You’ve probably heard it pronounced "Kel-see" for over a decade. But a few years back, Jason and Travis dropped a bombshell: the original family pronunciation was actually "Kel-se" (like "Kels").
So, where does that name actually come from?
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It’s not Italian. Research into the surname reveals it’s actually rooted in English and Anglo-Saxon culture. Specifically, it traces back to places like North and South Kelsey in Lincolnshire, England. The name basically means "island of a man called Ceol." Not exactly the vibes of a Tuscan villa, right?
Their father, Ed Kelce, apparently got tired of correcting people at work and just started going with "Kel-see" because it was easier. Talk about a "dad move." That one decision basically rebranded the entire family lineage for a generation of sports fans.
Is Jason Kelce Italian? Breaking Down the DNA
To give you the short answer: No, Jason Kelce is not primarily Italian. However, like most people from the American Midwest—Jason and Travis grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio—his heritage is a complex blend of several European backgrounds. If you look at his family tree, you'll find a mix that includes Polish, German, and English roots.
But wait. There was a major update to this story recently.
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The Big Discovery: Croatian Roots
In early 2025, the Kelce brothers actually sat down and talked about their heritage on their podcast, sparked by a conversation with WNBA star Caitlin Clark. It turns out they recently discovered a significant Croatian connection.
Their maternal great-grandmother, Marie Stajduhar, was the daughter of Croatian immigrants. We’re talking deep roots in the Gorski Kotar region, specifically a village called Vele Drage. This was a "wait, what?" moment for the brothers, as they hadn't really leaned into that part of their history growing up.
So, while fans were busy asking if Jason Kelce was Italian, the real answer was tucked away in the mountains of Croatia.
The Donna Kelce Side of the Story
You can't talk about Jason without talking about Mama Kelce. Donna Kelce (formerly Donna Blalock) has her own interesting family history. Her side of the family brings in more of that Central European flavor.
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- Maternal Line: Traces back to areas like Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) and parts of Austria.
- Paternal Line: Features names like Blalock, which has deep ties to the British Isles, specifically Scotland and England.
When you mix all that together—the English "Kelce" name, the Polish and German influences from Ed’s side, and the newly discovered Croatian and Czech roots from Donna’s side—you get the ultimate American athlete.
Why Do People Think He’s Italian?
It’s a fair mistake. Usually, people assume he's Italian because:
- The Pronunciation: "Kel-see" sounds phonetically similar to many Italian-American surnames.
- The "Vibe": Jason’s intense loyalty, his love for food (remember the Christmas Eve traditions?), and his loud, boisterous personality fit the "Italian-American" archetype often seen in East Coast cities like Philadelphia.
- The City of Brotherly Love: Philly has a massive, proud Italian population. Since Jason is basically the King of Philadelphia, people just assumed he was one of them by blood, not just by adoption.
What This Means for the Kelce Legacy
At the end of the day, Jason Kelce’s ethnicity doesn't define him as much as his Ohio upbringing and his Philly heart do. He’s a guy who went from a walk-on linebacker at Cincinnati to a future Hall of Fame center.
Whether his ancestors were from the shores of England or the mountains of Croatia, his "ancestry" in the NFL is pure grit.
If you're trying to win a bar bet or just curious about the man's background, you can confidently tell your friends that while he might love a good pizza or a massive bowl of pasta, Jason Kelce isn't Italian. He's a true European mix with a brand-new appreciation for his Croatian cousins.
Your Next Steps to Learn More
If you want to dig deeper into the Kelce lore, here is what you should actually do:
- Check out the "New Heights" podcast episode from January 2025 where they interview Caitlin Clark; it’s where they really dive into the Croatian discovery.
- Look up the "Kelce" documentary on Prime Video. It doesn't focus on DNA tests, but it gives you the best look at the family dynamics between Ed, Donna, and the boys.
- Stop pronouncing it "Kels." Even if it's technically right, Jason has gone on record saying he prefers "Kel-see" now. Don't be that person at the party.