Jason Kelce is trading the offensive line for the chorus line this holiday season. The retired Philadelphia Eagles icon and current Monday Night Countdown analyst brought a tidal wave of festive energy to the December 22 broadcast. Preceding the clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Indianapolis Colts, Kelce signaled the start of the festivities with an unexpected musical performance.
Fully committed to the bit in a complete Santa Claus ensemble, Kelce flexed his musical muscles by shredding on an electric keytar. After a few opening bars of “Jingle Bells,” he led a high-octane, rock-inspired rendition of the Christmas staple, punctuated by his trademark boisterous enthusiasm. “We’ve got Buddy the Elf!” Kelce shouted to the crowd, acknowledging a costumed companion as the cameras captured the high-energy spectacle.
While the performance was lighthearted, Kelce’s connection to the music world is remarkably substantive. As a core member of The Philly Specials—a musical collective featuring several Philadelphia Eagles stars—he has contributed to three charitable holiday albums. Their work has garnered more than just local praise; Billboard previously recognized “Fairytale of Philadelphia,” a duet featuring Jason and his brother Travis, as one of the premier Christmas covers of the modern era. The track successfully crossed over into the mainstream, peaking at No. 2 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart and No. 5 on the Digital Song Sales tally in late 2023.
The Kelce family’s intersection with the music industry has only deepened through Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift. Despite the global spotlight, Jason maintains a grounded, familial perspective on the pop titan. “I just enjoy her being my brother’s soon-to-be wife and aunt to my kids,” he shared in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing that he prefers to keep their bond personal rather than professional.
However, he doesn’t hide his admiration for Swift’s legendary work ethic and business acumen. Jason praised her “savviness” in reclaiming her master recordings and her ability to manage global stadium tours while simultaneously writing new material. “The level at which she takes control over a lot of different aspects but also allowing people to be experts in their own right… that stuff is fun to watch,” he noted.
Relive Jason Kelce’s heavy-metal holiday moment on Monday Night Countdown below:
Jason Kelce side quest part 2930201 😭
Santa Claus paid a rockin’ visit on Monday Night Countdown 🎅🔥 pic.twitter.com/FQlKE5WEK7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 23, 2025
