In a heartwarming display of hometown pride, NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce have publicly celebrated trailblazing Team USA women's hockey player Laila Edwards following her pivotal role in securing Olympic gold last week. The Kelce brothers, both natives of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, dedicated a segment of their popular "New Heights" podcast to honor Edwards and the entire championship squad.
A Lighthearted Rivalry Rooted in Respect
During the podcast episode, Travis Kelce playfully referenced his own athletic legacy in their shared hometown. "I'm just going to say — Laila, I've got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink. I'm not sure how many banners you have," he teased. This good-natured jab was in response to Edwards recently telling Travis's sister-in-law, Kylie Kelce, that she was the "best athlete" to emerge from Cleveland Heights.
Travis, whose comment elicited laughter from his brother Jason, quickly followed with genuine admiration. "I'll let you have [the title] because you're the only one to have gold. So, a little tip of the cap to you, Laila. That was awesome to see you go and get it." This exchange highlights the mutual respect between the football icons and the Olympic champion.
Historic Achievement on the Ice
Laila Edwards made history as the first Black woman to represent the United States in hockey at the Winter Olympics. Her performance during the gold medal game against rival Canada was nothing short of spectacular. With the game on the line, Edwards powered the puck toward the net, enabling team captain Hilary Knight to tip it in for a crucial game-tying goal. The 22-year-old forward was credited with a major assist in the dramatic overtime victory.
Beyond her on-ice heroics, Edwards has already become a significant inspiration for youth hockey across the nation. Reports indicate her Olympic success has sparked increased interest in the sport among young athletes, particularly from diverse backgrounds.
Support Beyond Words
The Kelce brothers' support for Edwards extends far beyond podcast shoutouts. They provided substantial financial assistance through a GoFundMe campaign that enabled ten of Edwards's family members and four friends to travel to Italy to witness her Olympic journey firsthand. This generous contribution underscores their commitment to celebrating local talent on the global stage.
Furthermore, Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie Kelce, were present in Milan to cheer on Edwards and the women's team during both their semifinal and final victories. The connection deepened when Edwards appeared as a guest on Kylie Kelce's "Not Gonna Lie" podcast earlier this month, where she gifted the couple personalized Team USA jerseys.
Recognition Amid Political Controversy
The Kelces' tribute arrives during a sensitive period for the women's hockey team. Just days prior, President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about inviting the Olympic squads to the White House, comments that drew widespread criticism from the hockey community and beyond. While the gold-medal-winning men's team met with Trump, the women's team declined an invitation to the State of the Union address, though the president has indicated they will visit the White House at a future date.
This context makes the Kelce brothers' public acknowledgment particularly meaningful, as it shifts focus back to the athletes' extraordinary accomplishments and community impact.
Praise for Character and Skill
On the "New Heights" podcast, Travis Kelce specifically commended Edwards's exceptional shot-making abilities, noting her technical prowess and composure under pressure. Jason Kelce echoed this sentiment, emphasizing not only her athletic talent but also her "humbleness" and the remarkable camaraderie evident within the women's hockey team. "The bond between those players is incredible," Jason observed, highlighting the collective spirit that propelled Team USA to victory.
As Laila Edwards continues to break barriers and inspire future generations, the support from high-profile athletes like the Kelce brothers amplifies her message of perseverance and excellence. Their celebration serves as a powerful reminder of how sports can unite communities and elevate groundbreaking achievements.
