Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center and brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has always been known for his larger-than-life personality. But during a recent broadcast on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, Kelce’s humor may have crossed the line for some viewers. His quip labeling Dallas and Arlington as the “b******e and armpit of America” left social media ablaze with both laughter and outrage.
Let’s dive into the incident, its context, and the reactions that followed.
Jason Kelce’s latest joke landed him in hot water with some fans. Credit: Justin Edmonds / Getty
The Controversial Comment That Stunned Viewers
It all started during an animated Simpsons-themed segment hosted by Mina Kimes, Dan Orlovsky, and Drew Carter. Kimes jokingly referred to Springfield—the fictional town from The Simpsons—as “the armpit of America’s b***crack.”
When the broadcast returned to the real-world setting of the Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, Kelce decided to up the ante. Host Scott Van Pelt transitioned back by mentioning Texas cities, saying, “We’re in the state of Texas, Arlington, Dallas…” before Kelce interjected with the now-infamous line: “Also the b******e and armpit of America.”
The reaction was immediate. Audible gasps, nervous laughter, and stunned looks from his co-hosts filled the airwaves. Kelce quickly attempted damage control, clarifying, “Guys, it was just a joke because of what Mina said. We’re having fun here. I love Dallas. We got the cowboy hats.”
However, the comment had already taken on a life of its own.
Social Media Erupts: Fans Divided Over Kelce’s Joke
As with most viral moments, social media users flocked to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their opinions. Some found the comment hilarious and applauded Kelce for his unfiltered humor.
- “Jason Kelce called Dallas the b******e and armpit of America on live national television. I’m crying, I love that man,” one user wrote.
- “This is why Jason Kelce is the best—no filter, just vibes,” another fan tweeted.
Others, however, didn’t see the humor. Critics expressed their disappointment, with some even calling for consequences.
- “Can’t believe you would let Jason Kelce go on live TV and call Dallas a ‘b******e town,’” a disgruntled viewer posted, tagging ESPN.
- “As a lifelong Eagles fan…Jason Kelce’s post-career 15 minutes are over,” another person added.
Some took it even further:
- “He should be fired on the spot,” one outraged commenter suggested.
Why Kelce’s Words Hit a Nerve
Kelce’s jab struck a particularly sensitive chord, given his long-standing association with the Philadelphia Eagles, fierce rivals of the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry is one of the most intense in the NFL, and fans on both sides are known to take even the smallest slights personally.
🇺🇸 JASON KELCE OFFENDS EVERYONE IN DALLAS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 10, 2024
On ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown, Kelce couldn’t resist taking a jab at Dallas, piggybacking off a Simpsons joke.
His punchline? “The armpit and butthole of America.”
Cue Marcus Spears’ death glare and co-hosts frantically trying to… pic.twitter.com/y7RtvdE6cB
For Eagles fans, Kelce’s joke was likely a playful continuation of the rivalry. But for Cowboys fans, it felt like an unnecessary and public insult. The geographic specificity—targeting both Dallas and Arlington—added fuel to the fire.
The Fine Line Between Humor and Insult
Kelce’s comment raises a larger question: when does humor cross the line into insult? In the context of sports broadcasting, jokes and lighthearted banter are common. But the raw nature of Kelce’s phrasing—particularly with the use of “b******e”—pushed boundaries that some felt were inappropriate for live television.
It’s worth noting that Kelce attempted to soften the blow immediately after making the comment, emphasizing that it was a joke and expressing his “love” for Dallas. However, as is often the case in today’s digital age, the damage was already done.
Some fans even called for Kelce to be “fired” from his analyst position. Credit: Ric Tapia / Getty
Public Figures and the Power of Words
Kelce’s situation highlights the scrutiny public figures face in the age of social media. A single offhand comment can ignite widespread reactions, with both support and backlash coming from all corners of the internet.
For athletes-turned-broadcasters, the transition from locker room banter to professional commentary can be tricky. The humor that resonates in one setting doesn’t always translate well to a national audience.
Jason Kelce: A History of Outspoken Moments
This isn’t the first time Jason Kelce has made waves with his outspoken nature. Known for his passionate speeches and candid interviews, Kelce has built a reputation as someone unafraid to speak his mind.
- During the Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl parade, Kelce delivered a fiery and unforgettable speech, calling out critics and celebrating Philadelphia’s underdog victory.
- On his podcast with brother Travis, New Heights, Kelce often shares unfiltered takes that have endeared him to fans.
For better or worse, Kelce’s personality is part of what makes him so entertaining—but it’s also what lands him in hot water from time to time.
The Fallout: Will Kelce Face Consequences?
As the dust settles, questions remain about whether Kelce will face repercussions for his comment. ESPN has not released an official statement, and Kelce himself has not directly addressed the backlash beyond his initial on-air clarification.
Given Kelce’s charm and popularity, it’s unlikely this moment will significantly harm his career. However, it may serve as a lesson in striking the right balance between humor and professionalism.
Conclusion: A Joke That Divided Fans
Jason Kelce’s “b******e and armpit of America” remark has undoubtedly left its mark—some viewers laughed, others cringed, and many took to social media to share their takes. Whether you see it as a playful jab or a step too far, one thing is clear: Kelce knows how to keep people talking.
For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the challenges of live television. In the end, whether Kelce’s quip was a touchdown or a fumble depends largely on which side of the rivalry you’re on.
