Extra: Jason Kelce Hates to Lose | Freakonomics

Intro

In this episode of the “Freakonomics” podcast, titled “Extra: Jason Kelce Hates to Lose,” host Stephen J. Dubner interviews Jason Kelce, a longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the best players in the NFL. They discuss Jason’s career, his relationship with his brother Travis Kelce, and their popular podcast, New Heights. Jason shares insights on teamwork, communication, and the importance of a positive team culture. He also discusses his thoughts on retirement, the physical toll of playing football, and the NFL Players Association’s report card on workplace conditions.

Main Takeaways

Brotherly Bond and Competitive Spirit

• Jason and Travis Kelce have strengthened their relationship through their podcast, New Heights.
• They communicate more now than they did during their first 10 years playing football.
• Jason views their relationship as brotherly friendship and love, while Travis was more competitive growing up.

Super Bowl Experience and Pressure

• Jason discusses the experience of coming in second in the Super Bowl and the disappointment that comes with it.
• He emphasizes the importance of not letting the moment dictate actions and staying true to the strategies that got the team there.
• Handling pressure in the Super Bowl requires focus and a team effort.

Center-Quarterback Relationship

• Jason explains the unique dynamics between a center and a quarterback and the importance of being in sync and on the same page.
• Building a good relationship between a center and a quarterback takes time, effort, and effective communication.
• Understanding each other’s thought processes is crucial for success on the field.

Retirement and Life After Football

• Jason contemplates retirement due to the physical and mental demands of the game, especially as he gets older.
• He discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood and the demands of the NFL season.
• Jason has taken on additional activities like podcasting and real estate in preparation for retirement.

CTE and Player Health

• Jason is aware of the risks of CTE and takes measures to mitigate potential ramifications through proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
• He believes that proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition can play a role in mitigating cognitive decline.
• Jason acknowledges the toll that playing professional football takes on the body and compares it to multiple car wrecks.

NFLPA Report Card on Workplace Conditions

• Jason discusses the NFL Players Association’s report card that grades teams on their workplace conditions.
• He highlights the importance of a positive team culture and the role of ownership, coaching, and facilities in creating a conducive work environment.
• Jason shares insights on the Philadelphia Eagles’ approach to player health, improvement, and player feedback.

Summary

Brotherly Bond and Competitive Spirit

Jason Kelce and his brother Travis Kelce have strengthened their relationship through their podcast, New Heights. They communicate more now than they did during their first 10 years playing football. Jason views their relationship as brotherly friendship and love, while Travis was more competitive growing up.

Super Bowl Experience and Pressure

Jason discusses the experience of coming in second in the Super Bowl and the disappointment that comes with it. He emphasizes the importance of not letting the moment dictate actions and staying true to the strategies that got the team there. Handling pressure in the Super Bowl requires focus and a team effort.

Center-Quarterback Relationship

Jason explains the unique dynamics between a center and a quarterback and the importance of being in sync and on the same page. Building a good relationship between a center and a quarterback takes time, effort, and effective communication. Understanding each other’s thought processes is crucial for success on the field.

Retirement and Life After Football

Jason contemplates retirement due to the physical and mental demands of the game, especially as he gets older. He discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood and the demands of the NFL season. Jason has taken on additional activities like podcasting and real estate in preparation for retirement.

CTE and Player Health

Jason is aware of the risks of CTE and takes measures to mitigate potential ramifications through proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition. He believes that proper sleep, exercise, and nutrition can play a role in mitigating cognitive decline. Jason acknowledges the toll that playing professional football takes on the body and compares it to multiple car wrecks.

NFLPA Report Card on Workplace Conditions

Jason discusses the NFL Players Association’s report card that grades teams on their workplace conditions. He highlights the importance of a positive team culture and the role of ownership, coaching, and facilities in creating a conducive work environment. Jason shares insights on the Philadelphia Eagles’ approach to player health, improvement, and player feedback.

Conclusion

In this episode, Jason Kelce provides valuable insights into his career, the dynamics of the center-quarterback relationship, the challenges of retirement, and the importance of player health and workplace conditions in professional football. His open-mindedness, curiosity, and positive outlook make for an engaging and informative conversation. Whether you’re a football fan or not, the “Freakonomics” podcast episode “Extra: Jason Kelce Hates to Lose” offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional sports and the mindset of a successful athlete.