Jason Kelce and his Fourth of July message about setting "aside our differences" to celebrate the United States sparked criticism online, with many social media users calling the former NFL center's post tone deaf.
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Idk what was more iconic, Jason in a speedo or the reaction from the girl in the blue shirt 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/3hJUaL3DGU
— New Heights (@newheightshow) July 2, 2025
Kelce, 37, shared a video of fireworks exploding over a beach and used the caption to reflect on the holiday.
"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!" he wrote. "Cheers to you oh beautiful America."
The post was liked by his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, but not everyone in the comments section was feeling the patriotic spirit.
Several followers took issue with Kelce's wording, saying the suggestion to "set aside differences" reflects a level of privilege not available to everyone, especially given current political and social divisions.
"I love you, bro, but your privilege is showing," one commenter wrote. "You are able to set things aside, but not everyone has that privilege."
Another added, "I really do love you Jason but no, we actually can't just set aside our differences. What this country is becoming is not something I'm proud of. But I think you know that."
A third user wrote, "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."
Others urged Kelce to use his platform to acknowledge inequality and injustice, particularly given his public role as a father and podcast host. One person referenced his wife, Kylie, and their efforts to raise strong daughters, writing, "Show them how they can use their voices to speak up for the underprivileged."
Kelce, who retired from the NFL earlier this year after a 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, did not immediately respond to the backlash. He has generally avoided politics in public settings.
His younger brother has taken a similar approach. Travis Kelce said earlier this year that he would accept the customary Super Bowl champion invitation to the White House regardless of who is in office.
"It's always an honor to go to the White House," he said on their New Heights podcast. "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."
For now, Jason Kelce appears to be keeping things simple — fireworks, flag-themed swimwear, and a holiday message that didn't land the way he intended. Welcome to the Internet, huh?
