Jason Kelce faced backlash on social media after he spoke about setting “aside our differences” to celebrate the United States of America on the Fourth of July.
In his Friday Instagram post, he shared a beachside video of several fireworks exploding over the water.
“Man I love the 4th! One of the great days we all can set aside our differences in this country, and enjoy the one thing we all share in common. That we are American!” the former Philadelphia Eagles player captioned the post.
“Cheers to you oh beautiful America.”
Jason’s post was also liked by his brother, Travis. However, the co-sign from his popular sibling wasn’t enough to tame the ex-NFL star’s comments section.
Multiple followers called out Jason’s “privilege” in the post, noting how the political climate hasn’t exactly allowed others to feel the same patriotism on this year’s holiday.
“I love you, bro, but your privilege is showing. You are able to set things aside, but not everyone has that privilege,” one follower wrote to Jason, 37, who recently showed his American pride by wearing an American flag-themed speedo to a charity event.
A second netizen added: “I really do love you Jason but no, we actually can’t just set aside our differences. The reason why I say that is because I actually do love this country and what this country is becoming is not something I’m proud of. But I think you know that.”
“Dude, no. This caption is so beyond tone deaf and insulting. People are suffering. People will die because of what’s happening. Human rights are being lost. Do better. This is actually horrendous,” said a third commenter.
“I’m not going to lie and say that I understand that you’re coming from a place of wanting unity but this caption is really disappointing,” wrote another person.
“You have an incredibly large platform, use it to highlight the injustices and human rights violations currently happening in this country. Through Kylie, we know that you’re both so committed to teaching your daughters how to treat others kindly and the power of being a strong woman, show them how they can use their voices to speak up for the underprivileged.”
A rep for Jason did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
it’s worth noting that the Kelce brothers have traditionally shied away from talking about politics.
In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs star, 35, stayed pretty neutral when he admitted that he wouldn’t mind going to the White House as a Super Bowl Champion (as is customary following the big game) — no matter which president is in office at the time.
“It’s always an honor to go to the White House,” he told his brother and co-host on their “New Heights” podcast.
“I kinda mentioned it last time, any time I get a chance to be recognized by the President of the United States and get to go with my teammates and a group of men and women that I had success with to the point we get acknowledged… I’m doing it every time no matter who’s up there at the helm. No matter what’s going on in this world. It’s just such a cool opportunity.”