As one of the popular sports commodities in the world, there might not be much for the NFL to learn or incorporate from other leagues. Yet, last year when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared on the New Heights, Travis Kelce asked his thoughts on a peculiar rule change in the league – one hockey fight per game. Now, if you thought the Chiefs TE was just having fun, his brother, poked the question again when Goodell appeared on the third episode of They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce last week.

During the conversation, the former Eagles center asked Goodell, “Last time I was with you, Roger, we proposed a rule change about one hockey fight being allowed. You said you were going to the rules committee. One fight per game. Have they gotten back to you on that rule change yet?” But to Jason’s disappointment, Goodell hilariously answered, “They did. But it didn’t turn out so well for you.” Well, it seems this answer left Travis Kelce a little disappointed.

The latest episode of the New Heights podcast came out on Wednesday and the Kelce brothers brought up the possible changes in the NFL’s regular season. Goodell is pushing for extending the regular season to 18 games, saying that it is a “logical step” to move to 18 regular-season games and two preseason games. While a decision on that change will take some time, Travis Kelce shared his feelings on the “hockey fight” rule being turned down.

“We did get some rule updates, Roger is still out on including hockey fights which, (is a) big bummer over here,” Travis said. Even though, the Kelce brothers appeared light-hearted in their proposal to include hockey fights, it is clear why NFL may not ever go down that route.

NFL is one of the strictest leagues on discipline, carefully building a good image. They have a monitoring team that reviews each play and even fines the violators. Hence, it is all daydreaming and wishful thinking but it doesn’t stop the brothers from having some fun.

Last year, when they had the chance to interview Goodell, not only did Travis Kelce propose the inclusion of one hockey fight per game but also listed his choice of opponent.

The Chiefs player said,

“Drop the glove, drop the helmet. Our enforcer against yours baby. First guy I’m going after is Jason f*****g Kelce.” But as he received approval from his brother and loud cheers from the fans, Travis funnily backtracked saying, “I’m kidding, I don’t want that.” There is good reason for Travis to be wary of his brother, who once punched him in the face.

Talking to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal on the BIG podcast last year, Jason revealed the story of how a game of basketball with his brother Travis turned into a scrap. According to Jason, Travis was sinking baskets one after the other and his elder brother was unable to stop him and hence decided to foul him.

When Jason ignored his brother’s complaint, he threw the ball at him and went into the house, which set off the former Eagles man. “I go in there, I grab him on the shoulder, and I punch him.” It didn’t end here.

“He took this punch, scooped me up off my feet, and slammed me on the kitchen floor so hard the oven got knocked off the rack it was sitting on,” Jason recalled. Their father Ed, stepped in to break the fight but got inadvertently hit. Jason mentioned, “My dad screaming, ‘Oww my ribs!’ We thought that we had hurt him so we snapped out of it.” Seeing their dad like this was the wake-up call for them and that was the last time the brothers got into a fight.

While Jason retired last year, his brother Travis Kelce is still playing and on the verge of a historical 3-peat! After 7 consecutive seasons with 1000+ receiving yards, he experienced a slump with 984 yards and 5 TDs in 15 games in 2023. It continued this year too, with 823 yards and 3 TDs in 16 games.

His form at the start of the season was questionable and he didn’t exactly light up the field during the regular season, but in the divisional game against the Texans, he proved why he has been a key part of the Chiefs’ success over the year. He finished with 7 receptions for 117 yards and 1 TD.

His early season form did lead to questions about his future at the Chiefs and possible retirement, but he is not looking to slow down. Still, his future if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl or not, will be a matter of discussion. Meanwhile, his teammate Patrick Mahomes also had his say on the TE’s possible retirement.

Chiefs QB unfazed by Travis Kelce’s future

One thing is certain. If there is anyone apart from his brother that the tight end will talk about retiring with, it’s Patrick Mahomes. Not only on the gridiron, they have invested millions in businesses together. But the Chiefs QB hasn’t heard anything solid from Travis.

On the January 21 episode of 96.5 The Fan, the signal caller said, “I have no idea. He hasn’t said anything to me if he’s thinking that. I know he’s signed the two-year extension before the season. And he seems like he still loves football, but he also has a great life as well.” That’s a brilliant point right there.

Just before the 2024 Draft, Travis Kelce became the highest-paid NFL TE by signing the 2-year $34.25 million that binds him to the franchise till the 2027 season. Even at 35 years of age, he had 5th most yards in the 2024 regular season for the tight end position. And the Chiefs also changed their strategy, passing the ball less to him as their rivals had more defensive backs around him.

 

In the end, their moves have paid well. They are sitting in the AFC Championship game. 2 more wins will put them into NFL history forever.