Jason Kelce got emotional talking about ultimate sacrifice in a Veterans Day story
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce is now an analyst with ESPN, but he sat down with a former teammate to talk about something bigger than football.
Kelce, the brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, spoke with Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen, who shared the story of his grandfather’s ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Marine Corps in Vietnam.
Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis jumped on a grenade that landed in a bunker where his fellow Marines were located. Davis died saving five.
When the taped interview had concluded, Kelce got emotional talking with his fellow broadcasters on ESPN’s set at Lambeau Field.
“I mean, listen, he saved five other soldiers on that day. Those soldiers went on to have kids,” Kelce said as he choked back tears. “Probably 50, over 50 people alive today because of that decision, he did that leaving behind a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old.
“As Veterans Day approaches, it’s a reminder of the sacrifice that a lot of people put out there every day so we get to sit on this desk and enjoy this game. It’s a truly remarkable story about a very selfless man, and Tyler Steen gets to honor him and his entire family tonight. It’s a testament to their whole family.”
Here is Kelce talking about Steen’s grandfather.
And this was a clip from the interview that was shared by the New Heights podcast.
This story was originally published November 11, 2025 at 10:52 AM.
