Jason Kelce Surprises Ravens Fans by Playing in the Football Team’s Band

Jason Kelce is a man of many talents.

The former Philadelphia Eagles center, 37, who, after retirement, has stayed a part of the NFL as a commentator on Monday Night Countdown, has returned to one of his other first loves — music.

Ahead of the Baltimore Ravens’ game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, Sept. 22, the retired athlete suited up in a full Marching Ravens band uniform to join the group in pregame warmups, during which he played the saxophone in a rendition of the Ravens’ fight song and the “Monday Night Countdown” theme song.

While it might have been strange to see the former NFL star with a team outside of the Eagles, seeing him pick up a saxophone is not new at all.

Kelce, who graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 2006, played baritone sax in the school’s jazz band and the symphonic winds ensemble, per CBS Philadelphia. He also showcased his musical talents through the Eagles’ Christmas albums.

The NFL shared two videos on social media of Kelce joining the Marching Ravens, and another was posted by the Instagram account for New Heights, Jason’s podcast with his brother Travis.

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Travis, 35, proudly commented on the clip, “LETS F—— GOOOOOO!!! He’s killlin it!!!”

During a previous episode of New Heights, Kelce opened up passionately about what playing a musical instrument means to him.

“Mr. Baker was the band director, as well as the Jazz Ensemble director and man, I tell people this all the time,” he said. “I really think playing band and playing music in general has allowed me to excel in sport and other things, because, as with anything, I encourage kids to play as many sports, do as many extracurriculars as you can that you enjoy, because you end up drawing things from each one of those that is unique and different.”

For him, playing an instrument has taught him “the importance and the value of practice.”

“The first time you pick up that instrument, then try to play anything, you are going to be terrible,” he said. “But the more you practice at it, you will get good. Like, it’s that simple. It’s just so right in your face. How much that affects how you play.”

In an interview with Glamour published in January 2024, Kelce’s wife, Kylie, 33, said that she and her husband are “advocates for the arts and would enjoy it if [their daughters] get involved in that as well.”

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“He was a well-rounded guy,” Kylie told the outlet about her husband’s high school years.” Not a lot of people know that, but he played the baritone saxophone, so if they want to get into music and art, we will fully encourage that as well. We’ll try everything just to see what sticks.”