March 13, 2024
Ken Blaze/USA TODAY SPORTS
In an acceptance speech, the brothers thanked their production crew, fans and their newfound ride-or-dies, the Taylor Swift fanbase.
There's a bit of a silver-lining consolation prize for those still mourning the retirement of Eagles star center Jason Kelce, as the "New Heights" podcast seems stronger than ever.
"New Heights," the weekly show hosted by Kelce (America's sweetheart) and his brother Travis, won Podcast of the Year at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards. It was created as a football podcast, providing listeners with weekly insight into Jason's games with the Eagles and Travis' games with the Kansas City Chiefs, along with the rest of the NFL
But the hosts regularly deviate from their sports format and talk about topics like their family; growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio; what candles inspired by each of the brother would smell like; Australian candy; and a bit about Travis' relationship with Taylor Swift, for example. The show started in 2022, dropping 81 episodes thus far.
The Kelces did not attend the awards ceremony at the SXSW event in Austin, Texas, but they did record a video acceptance speech. In it, Jason gave a nod to their new NO. 1 fan base, Swifties, who began supporting the podcast after Travis and Swift, a Berks County native, started dating last year
"This is an incredible honor, especially for two jabronies like us, to receive this award like this is beyond humbling," Jason Kelce says in the video. "We would be remiss if we didn't immediately thank all the 92%ers out there, AKA Swifties, who voted for us to win this award."
NEEEEEW NEEEEEEWS! 🗣️ @newheightshow wins PODCAST OF THE YEAR presented by @thehartford!! Congrats Jason & Travis Kelce! 👏 #iHeartPodcastAwards pic.twitter.com/4JIjdOP7f3
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) March 12, 2024
The brothers also gave a shoutout to their non-Taylor-affiliated fans and their production crew for the show's success.
"We absolutely love making this podcast each and every week and it is beyond rewarding when we get to find out that it resonates with so many people out there and that they get joy out of it, because we sure put a lot of that in it," Jason said.
Jason Kelce, 36, announced his retirement earlier in March He played 13 seasons with the Eagles and was a member of the Super Bowl winning team in 2018. A beloved figure in the area, his retirement has already inspired tributes like a limited-edition Campbell's Soup can and a countdown of his top outfits.
"New Heights" epsiode are released on Wednesdays.
