Jason Kelce Retracts “Bogus” Take and Defends Suspended Refs Who Cursed at Players

Jason Kelce, once a renowned center in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, has recently made headlines for his stance on suspended referees who had previously cursed at players. Despite retiring from active play, Kelce remains an influential figure in the sport, often lending his voice as an analyst on the sidelines. He co-hosts the popular podcast "New Heights" alongside his younger brother, Travis Kelce, known for his prowess as a tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On October 5, 2026, the NFL suspended two officials for their unprofessional behavior targeting players during Week 4 games. Line judge Jeff Seeman faced a two-game suspension without pay for directing profanities at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride after the latter contested a pass-interference call. Similarly, referee Adrian Hill was given a one-game ban for his interaction with Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson during a play involving a neutral-zone infraction.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Kelce found himself at the center of a debate regarding his previous statements.

Initially, Kelce sided with the suspended officials, questioning the integrity of the athletes who had cursed at them. He argued that the actions of the players were "bogus" and expressed support for the officials. However, his perspective shifted, leading him to retract his earlier stance and now firmly taking the side of the officials. Kelce revealed that he and his brother had also faced heated exchanges with referees in the past, often involving profanity.

Kelce's brother, Travis, shared a similar sentiment, further emphasizing the brothers' defense of the suspended officials. Reflecting on his own experiences, Kelce paid tribute to a former teammate, Lane Johnson, who recently retired after a stellar 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson's retirement marked the end of an era, as he was celebrated for his exceptional skills and contributions to the team.

Kelce fondly recalled their time together, describing Johnson as a "special player" and expressing his pride in having played alongside him. The Kelce brothers' stance on the issue highlights the ongoing challenges referees face in maintaining professionalism, even when confronted with verbal confrontations from players.