Jason Kelce‘s new look is not playing on many heartstrings.

The retired NFL star opted to shed some lbs since hanging up his cleats in 2024. He has been vocal about the journey to maintain a spot in a certain weight bracket since he is no longer competing at a high level.

Jason Kelce has seen to it that his weight loss journey trails smoothly as he tries to adapt to his new normal away from the field. The athlete has been spreading his wings into the entertainment industry with podcasts and TV shows.

Jason Kelce Says, ‘People Hate Me More And More‘

It is no secret that Jason is slimmer than he used to be a few years ago, and this change is not bringing smiles to the faces of many.

During a conversation with his brother, Travis, on their “New Heights” podcast, the retired football center shed light on the fact that his weight loss is accompanied by a major downside.

“Nobody liked me until I became fat. And as I get skinnier, people hate me more and more,” Jason argued. Travis chimed in, noting that growing up, fat kids ended up being the most enjoyable to be around because of their sense of humor.

Agreeing with his brother, Jason said, “That’s true, fat people are just better.” Later in the conversation, Travis also joked that his brother did not show his full potential on the football field until he “got fat.”

The father of four, however, previously noted that he does not intend to lose so much weight, as is common with most offensive linemen. He hopes to maintain his stature and look.

The Retired NFL Player Kicked Off A Weight Loss Journey Post Retirement

Since he retired from the NFL in March 2024, the former Philadelphia Eagles center has been vocal about his intentional decision to shed some pounds. Jason told US Weekly in May 2025 that he had already lost about 25lbs since his active days on the field. 

“I don’t really want to get below 250,” he said at the time before adding, “So, I think somewhere between 250 and 265. We’ll see where it goes.”

Jason’s decision to lose weight kicked off almost immediately after his retirement, as he told news outlets just three months later that he was already “down 20 pounds.”

The former pro footballer shared that he was pleased with the positive benefits he began experiencing from becoming lighter. “My back already feels better. My knees already feel better,” he said, adding that the ability to play with his children with ease was an added benefit.

The Super Bowl Champion’s Weight Loss Journey Demands Discipline

Last November, Jason opened up about engaging in a 48-hour fast with one of his pals, which they would break on Thanksgiving. He noted that the decision to fast stemmed from the aftermath of the junk foods he ate over a family Disney trip. 

The former NFL player said that he realized he overindulged in unhealthy foods like egg rolls and ice cream during the vacation to Disney World, and as a result, he gained a few pounds, hence the fast.

The Blast reported that Jason joked about his retirement as a fuel for engaging in the long hours off food deal. “Marcus Spears and I agreed to do a fast,” Jason told his brother.

“This is what happens when you retire. You f-cking do stupid sh-t like this, and I agreed to do it,” he said on a November episode of their podcast.

Jason noted that staying away from food for that long was no easy feat, as even the aroma could be tempting, coupled with the festivities that were at hand.

Travis asked if fasting did not pose any health risk, to which Jason replied that the number of hours one stays away from food matters.

Life In A Different Lens For Jason Kelce

Jason’s everyday life has not been the same for Jason who was used to the rigorous training and playing of football for thirteen years. Since his retirement, Jason has been vocal about how adjusting to “normal” life has been difficult for him and his family.

The Super Bowl champ revealed that although he is used to the cameras and televised lifestyle, existing in public spaces as a regular person is not easy.

“In a lot of ways, going out into public is much different for not just me but my wife, my whole family,” Jason said, adding, “But we really do try to live as much of a normal life as we can, which is increasingly becoming harder. We’re finding ways to get it done.”

According to The Blast, Jason has had the spotlight on him since announcing his retirement in 2024. He was the subject of a feature-length documentary on Prime Video titled “Kelce” before joining the “Monday Night Countdown” crew on ESPN.   

In the time that followed, the father of four also appeared in episodes of “Saturday Night Live” and “Abbott Elementary.” In addition to his podcast, which he hosts with Travis, Jason hosted his own late-night sports talk show in January 2025.

Jason Kelce Showed His Confidence Through A Prank

Last year, the Super Bowl champs’ wife, Kylie Kelce, attempted to play a prank on him, which later backfired.

The mother of four hopped on a TikTok trend where partners ask their significant others whether they wish they were more athletic.

The former Philadelphia Eagles star surprised his wife with a candid response, beating her expectations.

Kylie noted that she thought Jason would become defensive after hearing the question; instead, he said: “Oh, gosh, not really, I feel like I’m pretty athletic.”

Explaining further, Jason wore his heart on his sleeve, revealing a downside that comes with being athletic.

“I don’t know. I feel like sometimes I’m so athletic it’s a burden to carry,” he said. “I wish that the expectation was lower, you know what I mean?”

The Blast reported that Kylie admittedly revealed that her husband’s confidence bugs her a little, as it resonates even during times when she wants to catch him off guard.

Will Jason Kelce ignore the “hate,” remaining focused on his weight loss goals?