Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have found themselves in the NBA’s crosshairs, and for good reason—his load management at the start of the 2024-25 season has everyone talking. And when I say everyone, that includes Jason Kelce. Yes, the retired Eagles’ center and die-hard Sixers fan has some thoughts. Because of course, he does. I mean, how could a Sixers storyline unfold without Philly’s beloved football icon chiming in?

Appearing on the 94WIP Morning Show, Kelce didn’t hold back on his feelings about the Sixers’ strategy with Embiid. He mentioned, “The strategy should be to try and improve the usage and playing time of Joel to maximize him for during the postseason because that’s the only thing that really this Sixers team is trying to prove left.” You can almost feel Kelce’s frustration—like when your team has a clear path to the end zone and somehow still fumbles. His point? Regular-season greatness is nice. But it’s the playoffs where it counts.`

Kelce didn’t sugarcoat the situation either, calling it a colossal train wreck if they don’t get it right. He acknowledged Embiid’s dominance during the regular season, saying he’s been “arguably the best player in the league.” But the postseason? That’s where the Sixers have stumbled, and Kelce believes that should be their laser focus moving forward. No more missteps.

So, why is Embiid on the bench while the NBA investigates? His ongoing knee issues are part of it. But the team is playing it cautiously, hoping to keep him healthy for the long haul. The league’s new policy on load management for star players adds another layer of intrigue. They are now serious about cracking down on teams resting on their stars. So, the Sixers could be facing some heat if they’re not careful.

Now, here’s where things get weird, even by NFL standards. Kelce couldn’t wrap his head around why Embiid, fresh off the summer and barely into the season, was being rested. He said, “This is like to open the season… there’s got to be something causing them to give him rest because you wouldn’t just do it with a guy who is completely fresh to start the season.” It’s a fair question, right?

And it should not come as a surprise that Jason’s asking fair questions out here. Why? Well, if you have forgotten, the man was pretty loud at voicing his opinion against Sixers’ City Center Arena.

Jason Kelce: The Sixers fan

Back in September, when the whole 76ers-Center City arena debate heated up, guess who was right in the middle of it? Yup, Jason Kelce. Philly’s favorite retired Eagle and die-hard fan couldn’t resist candidly laying out his two cents on this controversial project. You know Kelce—when it’s something about Philly, he’s all in.

On SportsRadio WIP, Kelce didn’t hold back his feelings about the proposed arena in Center City. After Mayor Cherelle Parker gave her endorsement, Kelce made it clear he hated the idea. He would’ve much preferred it at the South Philly Sports Complex. He said, “When it does get built in Center City… people are probably going to love it… but right now, I really hate it.” 

What hit Jason the hardest was the sense of déjà vu. He talked about having deep scars from growing up in Cleveland and witnessing the Browns’ relocation to Baltimore. For Kelce, it feels like the Sixers’ owners are “strong-arming the city” to push this arena through. And the fact that the ownership also holds stakes in rival teams like the New Jersey Devils and Washington Commanders? Yeah, that didn’t sit well with him either. He laid it all out: “It just sucks… The ownership group isn’t Philadelphian.”

The proposed $1.55 billion arena, which would sit right on Market Street, isn’t set in stone yet. But it’s not long before the work would be underway as the Sixers and the City Council have reached a historic agreement. Not what Jason was hoping for. But that’s the name of the game as a fan: You win some, you lose some.