In the vibrant and boisterous city of Philadelphia, sports fans live, breathe, and bleed their hometown teams. Nothing quite compares to the electric buzz that envelops the city as it rallies behind its beloved sports franchises. And at the moment, all eyes are fixed on the Eagles, who are gearing up to clash with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Yet, amid the sea of midnight green and the deafening chants of “Fly, Eagles, Fly,” an unexpected twist has emerged that even the staunchest football fan can appreciate—an autographed baseball card featuring none other than Eagles legend Jason Kelce.
Philadelphia’s sports culture is unique, characterized by a fervent passion that many other cities could only dream of matching. Philadelphia fans are known for their unwavering loyalty, whether their teams are vying for the top or wallowing in mediocrity. They hold a notorious reputation for being vocal and passionate, yet this zeal is a badge of honor that unites them. As the Eagles prepare to soar toward what they hope will be their second Super Bowl victory, the unexpected news of one of their own making a splash in another sport is sure to capture attention.
In a delightful surprise, Jason Kelce—a name synonymous with leadership and grit since he donned the Eagles jersey—has founded his niche in the world of baseball collectibles. The 2025 Topps Series 1 is set to unveil an official autographed baseball card showcasing this Philadelphia sports icon. Imagine that: a fan-favorite center who famously carved a path through defensive lines is now immortalized with a baseball card that Phillies fans can cherish.
Kelce’s love for his adopted city is deeply rooted. Although he originally hails from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the 13 seasons he spent with the Eagles transformed him from an outsider into a true Philadelphian. He was drafted in 2011 and quickly made a name for himself, compiling an impressive list of accolades that established him as a legend. Seven Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro honors—all leading to a Super Bowl champion title during the unforgettable 2017-18 season—make for a football résumé that would glimmer even in Cooperstown. However, it’s his connection to the city’s heartbeat, and of course, its other beloved sports teams, that propels him into a new stratosphere of adoration.
As any self-respecting rabid sports fan in Philly will tell you, being an Eagles player is merely part of a much larger playbook. Kelce is often spotted hanging out in Citizens Bank Park, supporting the Phillies like any loyal fan. From raucously cheering in the stands during their playoff runs to his appearances in quirky PhanaVision videos that get the crowd hyped before a game, he has seamlessly engaged both the Eagles’ and the Phillies’ fan bases. That kinship has only deepened with his marriage to Kylie Kelce, a devoted Phillies fan. Thus, it’s no wonder that Kelce would want to celebrate his love for both the Eagles and the Phillies through a baseball card.
Even though Kelce has officially hung up his cleats after the 2023 NFL season, his fiery spirit and infectious enthusiasm remain undiminished. He won’t take the field in this year’s Super Bowl, but you can bet your bottom dollar he’ll be on the edge of his seat, lending his vocal support—albeit with a twinge of rivalry as his brother, Travis Kelce, squares off against the Eagles.
The introduction of an autographed baseball card in Topps is not merely a clever marketing gimmick; it embodies the unique connective tissue that is woven among Philadelphia sports. This card represents a beautiful convergence of two major sports in the city. Fans can find joy in this fusion as they build their collections, awash in nostalgia for both the football legacy that Kelce has created and the postseason thrills of the Phillies. It’s this enduring camaraderie that has ultimately strengthened Philly fans’ appreciation for the sporting tapestry of their city.
As the Eagles march toward the pinnacle of the NFL and the MLB season lurks just beyond the horizon, the arrival of Kelce’s baseball card is a fitting tribute to his legendary status. It also serves a deeper purpose: it reaffirms the spirit of unity that sports cultivate in Philadelphia. No longer are Kelce’s contributions confined to just the football field—his love of the Phillies has earned him a new accolade that can be passed down through generations of fans.
Collectively, the city of Philadelphia can revel in the multifaceted character of its sports heroes. As the Eagles aim for glory, and as baseball warms up for another season under the sun, one can hardly ignore the symbols that tie these worlds together. With every card turned, cheer yelled, and beer chugged at Citizens Bank Park, Jason Kelce only solidifies his status as a treasure of Philadelphia sports heritage. Meanwhile, as football fans prepare for the monumental showdown ahead, they’re also carrying their wallets, ready to snag a piece of history—a baseball card that serves as a bridge between two tremendous eras of Philadelphia athletics.
