In the world of the NFL, where every pound counts, Jason Kelce was a titan. At 295 pounds, he anchored the Philadelphia Eagles‘ offensive line like an immovable boulder. But now, with his cleats hung up, Kelce’s tackling a new opponent: the scale. And just when you thought he was all about protein shakes and salads, he throws us a juicy curveball that’s as unexpected as a Philly Special.

McDonald’s recently unveiled their new Kit Kat banana split McFlurry, a summer treat that’s caught Kelce’s eye faster than a linebacker spotting a fumble. The NFL star retweeted the announcement, declaring, “There is a zero percent chance I’m not trying this.” This enthusiasm might seem as out of place as a vegetarian at a tailgate, especially for a man who’s been shedding pounds since retiring. But it’s exactly the kind of relatable moment that makes fans love Kelce more than a fourth-quarter comeback.

Kelce’s McFlurry excitement is particularly eyebrow-raising, given his past loyalty to Burger King. The $7 billion fast-food giant has long been a favorite of the Kelce brothers. In fact, during a podcast episode featuring Patrick Mahomes, the Kelce brothers praised Burger King’s burgers as their top pick. Mahomes, however, stood firm in his Texas roots, declaring Whataburger as “world-class” and even bringing the chain to Kansas City through his investments.

But it seems the Golden Arches’ latest creation was too tempting to resist, even for a Whopper loyalist. The $180 billion conglomerate has struck gold with this fusion of Kit Kat and banana split flavors, luring even health-conscious retired athletes like Kelce into its sweet embrace.

This playful ‘betrayal’ highlights the stark contrast between Kelce’s strict NFL diet and his post-retirement freedom to indulge. It’s a reminder that even elite athletes are human, with the same cravings and temptations as the rest of us. As Kelce himself once said about his NFL eating habits, “I can go to McDonald’s and eat food that I can figure out… If that’s what’s required of me to play in the NFL, I probably wouldn’t do it.”

Jason Kelce’s weight loss journey

While Kelce’s McFlurry excitement might make headlines, it’s just a small chapter in his post-NFL story. Since retiring in March, the former center has been on a mission to slim down faster than a two-minute drill.

In a recent interview with GQ, Kelce revealed he’s already lost “almost 20 pounds” and aims to drop another 20. His motivation? Being a better dad to his three daughters. “My back already feels better. My knees already feel better,” Kelce shared. “So another 20 pounds hopefully will make that much more adept at playing with my children.”

Kelce’s approach to weight loss isn’t about deprivation or extreme measures. He’s targeting a steady pace of two pounds per week, focusing on balanced nutrition while still enjoying life’s little pleasures. This strategy aligns with the advice he received from Arnold Schwarzenegger on the ‘New Heights’ podcast back in April. The Terminator himself emphasized, “The most important thing is that you slowly decrease the body fat and increase the body muscles. You just switch. It doesn’t just have to do with the weight.”

Despite his disciplined approach, Kelce isn’t above the occasional indulgence. His excitement over the new McFlurry proves that balance is key in his post-NFL life. It’s a refreshing reminder that health and enjoyment aren’t mutually exclusive, even for former professional athletes. As Kelce put it, “I don’t need to have brown rice with chicken breast with no flavor.”

From a 295-pound lineman to a dad aiming for 250-260 pounds, Kelce’s journey is as inspiring as a last-second touchdown. And if that journey includes the occasional McFlurry? Well, that’s just the cherry on top of a well-balanced life.