Jason Kelce Clarifies His Viral Behavior at Taylor Swift Concert

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Jason Kelce wants the world to know — he wasn't sleeping during Taylor Swift's Miami concert.

During the Wednesday, October 23, episode of the New Heights podcast, the 36-year-old retired NFL star tackled the viral photo showing him with his eyes closed during Swift's Eras Tour performance on October 18. The internet was quick to assume he'd dozed off mid-show, but Kelce cleared things up, telling his brother and co-host, Travis Kelce, "I did not take a nap."

ESPN broadcaster Jason Kelce gives a thumbs-up prior to an NFL game between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A week... Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Travis, 35, who is dating the 34-year-old pop star, couldn't resist teasing his big brother, saying, "You took a nap at the Eras Tour! What is that all about?" But Jason didn't back down, insisting, "Travis, you know I didn't take a nap... I didn't take a nap."

The photo, originally posted by the former football center's friend via X (formerly Twitter), Beau Allen, sparked waves of commentary across social media.

"Is he sleeping 😭," one person asked.

"PLEASE JASON WE'RE LIKE 40 MINS IN," pleaded another.

"I'm dying what was the song? 😂😂😂," chimed in a third.

In the snapshot, Jason sits with his eyes closed, while his wife, Kylie Kelce, stands next to him, holding their 3-year-old daughter, Elliotte.

Explaining the moment on the podcast, Jason shared how he was simply "in the moment" and feeling the music. "I'm just sitting here, and I'm feeling it. And I'm tapping my thigh," he said. "And then all of a sudden, I go on Twitter, and I see this f***ing picture. And I'm like, dude, what the f***?'"

He even presented proof that he wasn't snoozing. "My hand is hovering [my knee]," he explained. "You can't sleep with your hand hovering above your knee!"

Despite the viral buzz, the eldest Kelce brother took it in stride and jokingly called out Allen, 32, for the "friendly fire."

Meanwhile, Travis admitted he had serious FOMO for missing the concert. "I had all the FOMO in the world, with the entire family and a lot of our friends being there," Travis said, adding, "I wish I was there."