You know that feeling when the cold air hits your skin and suddenly you’re not a 36-year-old father of three, but a chaotic force of nature? That’s basically what happened to Jason Kelce shirtless in Buffalo. It wasn’t just a guy losing his laundry. It was a cultural reset for the NFL.
If you were online on January 21, 2024, you saw it. The Philadelphia Eagles legend, freshly "retired" in the minds of many (though he hadn't made it official yet), standing in an open-air suite at Highmark Stadium. Below-freezing temps. Snow everywhere. And there’s Jason, screaming his lungs out, clutching a Bud Light, looking like the world’s most energetic grizzly bear.
He didn't just stay in the suite, either. He jumped out. He hopped into the stands to party with the Bills Mafia. Honestly, it’s the most "Jason Kelce" thing he’s ever done, and that’s saying something for a guy who once dressed as a Mummers player and gave the greatest parade speech in sports history.
The Night Jason Kelce Went Shirtless in Buffalo
Let’s set the scene because the context makes it even funnier. Jason was there to support his brother, Travis Kelce, during the Chiefs-Bills divisional playoff game. This was the night he was meeting Taylor Swift for the first time. Most people would wear a nice sweater. Maybe a button-down.
Kylie Kelce, Jason's wife, famously told him to be on his "best behavior." She knew what she was dealing with. But as Jason later explained on their New Heights podcast, the "magic" of the Bills Mafia just took over.
Why the Shirt Came Off
Jason actually wanted to go shirtless at the tailgate before the game. He didn’t get the chance. So, when Travis scored his first touchdown of the night, Jason decided the suite was too "civilized."
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- The Logic: "Who takes their shirt off in a box? It’s heated—you’re not really doing it."
- The Move: He ripped the shirt off, opened the window, and jumped into the freezing Buffalo air.
- The Reaction: Taylor Swift apparently "absolutely loved it," which is a relief for anyone who has ever had an embarrassing sibling meet a new partner.
It wasn't just about the vibes, though. Jason was basically absorbing the energy of a fan base known for jumping through folding tables. He said he felt "possessed by fandom." And maybe a little bit of beer. Okay, a lot of beer. He admitted to being about "40 Miller Lites" deep when the decision-making process reached its peak.
Is He Still Doing It? (The 2025-2026 Update)
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026. You’d think a guy with a $100 million podcast deal and a high-profile gig on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown would start wearing a tie.
Nope.
In November 2025, Jason proved he hasn't changed a bit. During an Eagles tailgate party at Lincoln Financial Field, he was crowned the "Belly Bucking Champion." Yes, he was shirtless again.
He was wearing an Eagles helmet and black trousers, using his stomach to shove opponents out of a makeshift ring. It was peak retirement energy. He’s 38 now, sitting on a net worth estimated around $60 million, and he’s still out there in the parking lot bumping bellies with fans. That is why people love him. He isn't "curating a brand." He's just living.
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The "No Dumb Questions" Book
Even as he’s losing his shirt, he’s building an empire. Jason and Travis recently announced their new book, No Dumb Questions: And All of Our Dumbest Answers, set to hit shelves in June 2026. It’s based on their podcast segment where they debate things like whether a straw has one hole or two.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Antics
People see a shirtless Jason Kelce and think it’s just a guy who can’t hold his liquor. That’s a shallow take. If you listen to how he talks about these moments, it’s actually about connection.
Jason has spent 13 years in the trenches of the NFL. He knows how hard the game is. When he goes shirtless in the stands, he’s breaking the wall between the "elite athlete" and the "regular fan." He wants to be part of the "pageantry," as he calls it.
The Family Dynamic
It's also a family affair. His daughter Elliotte’s reaction to the Buffalo stunt was legendary. She reportedly saw her dad on TV and told her mom, "Dad's boobs are showing."
Kylie, of course, remains the MVP of the family. She’s often spotted in the background of these viral clips with a look that says, "I am not surprised, just disappointed." But she’s also the one who keeps the wheels from falling off. She actually caught a photo of Jason with Tammy Reid (Andy Reid’s wife) while he was still shirtless in the suite.
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How to Channel Your Inner Kelce (Safely)
Look, we can't all be 295-pound All-Pro centers with a podcast empire. But you can take a few notes from the Jason Kelce playbook on how to actually enjoy your life.
- Read the Room, Then Ignore It: If you’re at a Bills game and everyone is screaming, you don't need to be the guy sitting quietly with your hands folded.
- Acknowledge the Spouse: Jason always gives Kylie credit. He knows he’s a handful. If you’re going to be the "chaotic" one in the relationship, you better be the most supportive partner the rest of the time.
- Stay Authentic: In an era of polished TikTok influencers, Jason Kelce is a hairy, sweaty, shirtless reminder that being yourself is actually the best marketing strategy there is.
- Know Your Limits: Jason famously mentioned he forgot he was dealing with an MCL sprain when he jumped out of that suite. If you're going to pull a stunt, make sure your insurance is paid up and your knees are ready.
The Actionable Takeaway
If you're looking for that specific "shirtless" energy in your own life, start by leaning into the things you actually enjoy without worrying about how "cool" you look. Whether it's a tailgate, a backyard BBQ, or just a Tuesday night, the lesson from Jason is simple: life is too short to keep your shirt on when there’s a touchdown to celebrate.
Keep an eye out for his book release this summer. It's probably the only "author tour" in history where the writer might end up in a belly-bucking contest in the middle of a Barnes & Noble.
Check the New Heights socials for the latest tailgate clips. They’ve been leaning heavy into fan interactions lately, and with the way 2026 is going, we’re likely to see a lot more "pageantry" before the next Super Bowl kicks off.