Kelce’s dream of lifting a third consecutive Super Bowl was crushed by the Eagles starCredit: Getty

Travis Kelce Faces Eagles Legend Brandon Graham on New Heights, Revisits Super Bowl Heartbreak

In the world of professional football, rivalries and respect often go hand in hand, creating moments that resonate far beyond the field. Recently, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce experienced such a moment when he came face-to-face with Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham on the New Heights podcast, co-hosted with his brother, former Eagles center Jason Kelce. The episode, a blend of humor, nostalgia, and candid reflection, offered fans a glimpse into the personalities that define the NFL, while revisiting the sting of Super Bowl LIX, where Graham and the Eagles dashed Kelce’s hopes of a historic three-peat.

Graham achieved one tackle during the New Orleans showdown before announcing his retirement a month laterCredit: Getty

The Super Bowl in February 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was billed as a clash of titans. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, aimed to etch their names in history as the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. Standing in their way were the Philadelphia Eagles, a team hungry for redemption after losing to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII two years prior. Among the Eagles’ ranks was Brandon Graham, a 37-year-old defensive end whose grit and determination epitomized Philly’s relentless spirit. Despite battling a torn triceps, Graham suited up for the game, delivering a performance that included a tackle and a presence that loomed large over Kansas City’s offense.

The game itself was a nightmare for Chiefs fans. Philadelphia’s defense, orchestrated by coordinator Vic Fangio, overwhelmed Kansas City from the opening whistle, shutting them out 24-0 in the first half. Kelce, a four-time All-Pro and one of the game’s most dynamic playmakers, was held without a catch in the opening 30 minutes, a rare occurrence in his storied career. By the time the final score settled at 40-22 in favor of the Eagles, the Chiefs’ three-peat dreams had crumbled, and Kelce’s four receptions for 39 yards reflected a night where little went right. Graham, who re-tore his triceps during the game, announced his retirement a month later, capping a 15-year career with a second Super Bowl ring.

Fast forward to April 2025, and the New Heights podcast provided the perfect stage for Kelce and Graham to reconnect. The show, known for its mix of football insights and brotherly banter, has become a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the top podcasts in the U.S. With Jason Kelce, who played alongside Graham in Philadelphia for 13 seasons before retiring in 2023, serving as the bridge, the episode promised a unique blend of camaraderie and competition. A trailer released on Tuesday night set the tone, with Jason introducing Graham as a “prolific trash-talker,” prompting Travis to chime in with a grin, “The best.” The comment was no exaggeration—Graham’s reputation for getting under opponents’ skin is as legendary as his pass-rushing prowess.

The episode opened with lighthearted ribbing, as Graham, drafted by the Eagles in 2010, shared his first impression of Jason, who joined the team a year later. “Well, you know what, that hair,” Graham said, referencing Jason’s striking long locks from his early NFL days. The remark sent both Kelce brothers into fits of laughter, a nod to the days when Jason’s flowing mane was as much a part of his identity as his blocking. For Travis, the moment was a chance to humanize a player who had been a thorn in his side, both in Super Bowl matchups and during regular-season clashes. Graham’s trash-talking, Travis noted, was never malicious—it was an art form, designed to unsettle while earning respect.

As the conversation turned to the Super Bowl, the mood grew reflective. Travis, still processing the loss, acknowledged the Eagles’ dominance. “Hats off to Philly, man,” he said, echoing sentiments he shared with reporters in the locker room after the game. Graham, ever the competitor, didn’t gloat but instead praised the Chiefs’ resilience, noting how their dynasty had pushed the entire league to elevate. For Jason, the game carried mixed emotions. Having faced his brother in Super Bowl LVII, he understood the bittersweet reality of watching one side of his heart triumph while the other ached. On X, he later wrote, “I knew it was going to be mixed emotions… I wanted what’s best for my brother, but there are so many people in the Eagles organization I care deeply about.”

Graham’s appearance on New Heights wasn’t just about reliving the past—it was a celebration of his legacy. Drafted 13th overall in 2010, he spent his entire career with Philadelphia, earning a reputation as a clutch performer. His strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII remains one of the most iconic plays in Eagles history, securing the franchise’s first championship. Against the Chiefs in 2025, his impact was less statistical but no less felt, as his leadership galvanized a defense that sacked Mahomes six times and intercepted him twice, including a pick-six by rookie Cooper DeJean. Travis, who has called Graham one of the NFL’s most underrated trash-talkers, shared a story from their 2023 Super Bowl matchup, recalling how Graham chirped at him as their mother, Donna Kelce, appeared on the jumbotron. “That’s just who he is,” Travis said, shaking his head with a smile.

For Travis, the podcast was also a moment to look forward. At 35, questions about his future linger, especially after a Super Bowl performance that fell short of his standards. Despite speculation about retirement, he announced on February 27, 2025, that he would return for the 2025 season, his final year under contract with Kansas City. The decision reflects his competitive fire, a trait he shares with Graham, who nearly retired after the Super Bowl but chose to go out on his terms. Chiefs GM Brett Veach later revealed that Travis battled a significant illness before the game, a factor that may have dulled his performance but didn’t diminish his resolve.

The episode underscored the NFL’s unique ability to blend rivalry with brotherhood. Travis and Graham, adversaries on the field, found common ground in their love for the game and their appreciation for each other’s craft. Jason, serving as both host and mediator, highlighted the bonds forged through football, whether between teammates like himself and Graham or siblings like himself and Travis. For fans, it was a reminder that the sport’s greatest moments often happen off the field, in conversations that reveal the heart behind the helmets.

As the New Heights episode wrapped, the laughter and stories lingered, a testament to the enduring power of sports to connect. Travis Kelce, still chasing greatness, and Brandon Graham, now savoring retirement, shared a moment that transcended their Super Bowl clash. It was a fitting tribute to a game that demands everything—heart, hustle, and even a little trash talk—while leaving room for respect to shine through.