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When it comes to unfiltered opinions, NFL icons Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and his brother Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center, never hold back. The legendary duo recently turned their spotlight on the Cleveland Browns, slamming the franchise’s decision to relocate its home stadium from downtown Cleveland to a suburban site in Brook Park. While the brothers—raised in Cleveland Heights—acknowledge progress, they argue the move sacrifices tradition, disrupts fan loyalty, and strays from the gritty essence of football. But what exactly sparked their fiery critique? Let’s dive in.
Jason and Travis Kelce slam Browns’ controversial stadium shift
The Kelce brothers didn’t hold back during a candid segment of their New Heights podcast, reacting to the Browns’ promotional video about the upcoming $2.4 billion stadium set to open in 2029. Jason Kelce kicked off the criticism, labeling the relocation effort “something really stupid” and mocking the team’s attempt to hype the suburban project.
“The stadium [will] no longer be in downtown Cleveland. Boooooo,” he jeered, blending sarcasm with genuine frustration.
Travis Kelce echoed his brother’s sentiment, emphasizing the cultural importance of urban stadiums. “Every sports town feels better when [the stadium] is in downtown,” he argued, hinting at the communal energy lost in a move 14 miles outside the city. Jason doubled down, accusing the Browns of prioritizing financial convenience over civic unity:
“They just don’t want to pay for it or cooperate with the city. That’s the only reason this isn’t in downtown Cleveland.”
But geography wasn’t their only gripe. Jason blasted the decision to build a domed stadium, calling it a betrayal of football’s rugged spirit. Recalling the Eagles’ snowy playoff victory over the Rams, he insisted,
“I like when the elements play a role in the game. That wouldn’t have happened with an indoor stadium. I don’t like indoor stadiums.” His verdict? “There’s zero percent that I like about what’s happening in Cleveland right now.”
While some locals welcome the project’s modern amenities and economic potential, the Kelces fear it erodes the city’s storied sports identity. Their critique arrives as the Browns grapple with a dismal 3-14 season and waning fan morale. For two hometown heroes, this isn’t just about real estate—it’s about safeguarding the soul of Cleveland football.
The Kelce brothers’ backlash highlights a growing tension between progress and tradition in sports. As franchises chase shiny new venues, voices like Jason and Travis Kelce remind us that stadiums aren’t just buildings—they’re living chapters of a city’s history. Whether the Browns’ gamble pays off or backfires, one thing’s clear: Cleveland’s most famous football family won’t stay quiet.
