Philadelphia Eagles’ legendary center Jason Kelce has once again brought the fierce rivalry between the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys to the forefront. During ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown broadcast on December 9, Kelce referred to Dallas as the “butthole and armpit of America,” igniting a flurry of reactions both on-air and across social media. What started as a joke, inspired by a Simpsons-themed simulcast, quickly turned into a polarizing moment for NFL fans.
The Rivalry That Never Sleeps: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys have one of the most storied rivalries in NFL history, spanning over six decades. Their mutual disdain has led to unforgettable games, heated exchanges, and moments that fans remember for a lifetime. Jason Kelce, who has spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Eagles, is no stranger to adding fuel to the fire.
During the broadcast, Kelce’s comment was a playful reference to a joke made earlier by reporter Mina Kimes, who described Springfield, the fictional hometown in The Simpsons, as “the armpit of America’s buttcrack.” Host Scott Van Pelt introduced the segment by noting the game’s Dallas location, prompting Kelce’s remark, which left co-hosts Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark in a state of shock.
The Immediate Fallout: Mixed Reactions On-Air and Online
Kelce’s off-the-cuff comment elicited a wide range of responses. Marcus Spears, a former Dallas Cowboy and now ESPN analyst, was quick to react, adjusting his collar and quipping, “Welp! Time to go.” Despite Kelce’s attempts to backtrack, claiming he was joking, the damage was done.
On social media, reactions were equally divided. Some Cowboys fans expressed anger, accusing Kelce of taking the rivalry too far. A fan on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, “I actually liked Jason Kelce until this moment. You may have beef with the Cowboys, but that doesn’t make Dallas a s***hole.” However, Eagles fans and others supportive of Kelce found the joke harmless and in line with the playful banter typical of football rivalries.
A History of Tensions Between Kelce and the Cowboys
This isn’t the first time Jason Kelce has openly displayed his dislike for Dallas. Earlier this year, Kelce showcased a bumper sticker featuring an Eagles fan urinating on a Cowboys logo, further endearing himself to Eagles Nation while aggravating Cowboys supporters.
The rivalry has also spilled into moments beyond the field. From fiery exchanges between players to fan pranks and divisive commentary, the tension between these two teams is a microcosm of the broader cultural divide between Philadelphia and Dallas fans.
Jason Kelce’s Unintended Consequences
While Cowboys fans grappled with Kelce’s jab, the Eagles star received unrelated but positive news just a day later. A police investigation into an incident involving Kelce on Penn State University’s campus was closed. Allegations stemmed from Kelce slapping a heckler’s phone to the ground during a pre-game confrontation, where the heckler directed a homophobic slur toward Kelce’s brother, Travis Kelce.
Kelce later addressed the controversy, expressing regret for his actions:
“Within a heated moment, I chose to greet hate with hate, and I don’t think that’s a productive thing,” he admitted on a previous episode of Monday Night Countdown.
A Joke Gone Too Far or Rivalry Banter?
Kelce’s Dallas comment raises an interesting question about the limits of rivalry banter in professional sports. While passionate fans thrive on the drama, there’s a fine line between humor and disrespect. Kelce, known for his candid personality, likely intended the remark as lighthearted.
However, the passionate culture of NFL fandom can amplify even the smallest quips. In today’s hyperconnected world, where moments from live broadcasts are quickly shared and dissected on social media, the impact of such comments often exceeds their intent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Jason Kelce call Dallas the “butthole and armpit of America”?
Kelce made the comment during Monday Night Countdown, referencing a previous joke made by reporter Mina Kimes. While intended as humor, it quickly sparked backlash, especially from Cowboys fans.
2. What is the history behind the Eagles and Cowboys rivalry?
The rivalry between the Eagles and Cowboys began in 1961 and has grown into one of the fiercest in the NFL, marked by competitive games and deep-seated animosity between players and fans.
3. How did Marcus Spears respond to Kelce’s comment?
Marcus Spears, a former Cowboys player, reacted on-air by jokingly suggesting it was time to end the segment, clearly uncomfortable with Kelce’s remark.
4. Has Jason Kelce made similar comments about Dallas before?
Yes, Kelce has previously mocked Dallas, including displaying a bumper sticker of an Eagles fan urinating on a Cowboys logo. These instances underscore the intensity of the Eagles-Cowboys rivalry.
5. Did Kelce face consequences for his comments?
While Kelce faced criticism from fans, no formal action was taken against him. However, the incident highlighted the passionate emotions tied to NFL rivalries.
