7 Shocking Reactions And Jason Kelce's Hilarious Defense Of His 'New Look' On The Taylor Swift Podcast
The internet went into a frenzy recently after NFL legend Jason Kelce debuted a starkly different physical appearance during the highly anticipated New Heights podcast episode featuring global superstar Taylor Swift. The curiosity surrounding his sudden transformation—a dramatically dyed black beard—overshadowed even some of the episode’s biggest revelations, forcing the retired Philadelphia Eagles center to issue a public, yet lighthearted, defense.
This episode, which aired in late 2024, wasn't just about the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift; it inadvertently became a major moment for Jason's personal style. The intense media scrutiny and fan chatter prompted Jason to explain the cosmetic change, revealing a funny and relatable story behind the "new look" that wasn't exactly planned, cementing his status as one of the most entertaining personalities in sports media today.
Jason Kelce: Full Biography and Career Profile
Jason Kelce is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 13-year career as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his powerful play, passionate speeches, and distinctive gray beard, he has become a beloved figure in the National Football League (NFL) and popular culture, particularly through the success of the New Heights podcast he co-hosts with his younger brother, Travis Kelce.
- Full Name: Jason Daniel Kelce
- Date of Birth: November 5, 1987
- Age: 38 (as of December 21, 2025)
- Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
- College: University of Cincinnati (played for the Cincinnati Bearcats)
- NFL Draft: Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
- Position: Center
- Career Span: 2011–2024 (13 seasons)
- Wife: Kylie Kelce (née McDevitt)
- Children: Three daughters (Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett)
- Career Highlights: Super Bowl LII Champion, 7-time Pro Bowl selection, 6-time First-team All-Pro.
- Retirement: Announced retirement in March 2024.
- Current Role: Co-host of the New Heights podcast and NFL analyst.
The Viral ‘New Look’ That Sparked a Fan Frenzy
The "new look" that captivated millions of viewers during the New Heights episode featuring Taylor Swift was not a new haircut, but the striking change to Kelce's signature facial hair. Jason Kelce, who had long rocked a salt-and-pepper, graying beard, appeared with a beard dyed an unnaturally dark black.
The transformation was immediate and jarring for many fans who had grown accustomed to his rugged, natural look. The internet quickly erupted with comments, memes, and speculation about why the recently retired athlete would make such a dramatic change.
The episode, which garnered massive attention due to the presence of Taylor Swift, inadvertently put a spotlight on Jason’s cosmetic choice. His appearance, while hosting one of the world's biggest celebrities, ensured the look went instantly viral.
It Was a 'Bit' Gone Wrong for Garage Beer
Jason Kelce didn't keep fans waiting long for an explanation. He addressed the comments directly, revealing the dramatic dye job was not a permanent style choice but rather a "bit" for his beverage brand, Garage Beer.
The initial plan was to film a promotional skit for the company. Kelce explained that he intended to dye his beard to look younger as part of the joke.
However, as he hilariously admitted, the process didn't go as planned. "We didn't play chemistry very well and I ended up coming out a little darker than I anticipated," Kelce confessed on a subsequent episode of the podcast.
The dye job, which he described as a "mishap," ended up being far more intense and jet-black than the youthful, natural look he was aiming for.
Jason's Defense: "Don't Hate Me" and Other Reactions
Facing a torrent of online commentary, Jason Kelce took to social media and the podcast to defend the bold transformation. His defense was typical Kelce: self-deprecating, honest, and funny.
In his direct address to the public, he used a simple, pleading phrase that quickly became a headline: "Don't Hate Me."
He assured his audience that the dark beard was a temporary side effect of the commercial stunt, not a mid-life crisis style change. He even expressed his own regret about the look, saying, "I miss my grays. I can't wait for this to grow back out."
Kylie Kelce’s Unfiltered Assessment
Perhaps the most anticipated reaction came from his wife, Kylie Kelce, known for her sharp wit and grounded perspective. Kylie's response, shared in the aftermath of the viral moment, was classic.
While she ultimately supported her husband, she wasn't shy about sharing her unfiltered thoughts on the darker-than-expected dye job. Her reaction was captured in a behind-the-scenes video Jason shared, which also featured the playful roasting he received from former Eagles teammates.
Roasting from the NFL Community
Jason's former colleagues and friends in the NFL were quick to pile on the jokes. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, known for his own distinctive beard, commented on social media, adding to the lighthearted mockery.
Even former Philadelphia Eagles teammate Lane Johnson got in on the action, highlighting the camaraderie and playful nature of the league's brotherhood. These reactions underscore the fact that Kelce's personal life and style choices are now as much a topic of public interest as his Hall of Fame-worthy football career.
The Lasting Impact on the New Heights Podcast
The "beard-gate" incident, while minor in the grand scheme of things, perfectly encapsulates the massive cultural footprint of the New Heights podcast. The show, which started as a casual platform for two brothers to discuss football, has exploded into a pop culture phenomenon, largely due to Travis Kelce's relationship with Taylor Swift and Jason's retirement and subsequent media career.
The fact that a simple, albeit botched, beard dye job could become a global news story during an episode featuring one of the world's most famous women speaks volumes about the Kelce brothers' reach.
Jason Kelce’s willingness to address the mishap head-on, with humor and humility, only further endears him to his audience, proving that whether he's on the football field, hosting a podcast, or accidentally dyeing his beard, his authentic personality is his greatest asset. He continues to leverage his platform to discuss everything from the "Tush Push" play to his family life, ensuring his topical authority remains strong well into his post-NFL career.
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