New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: Episode 140 Summary

Release Date: May 21, 2025

In Episode 140 of "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce," titled "End of The Tush Push, NFL Olympians & Why The Sandlot Is The Best Sports Movie Of All Time," brothers Jason and Travis Kelce delve into significant developments within the NFL, the sport's potential Olympic debut, and share their nostalgic appreciation for the classic film "The Sandlot." The episode is structured into several engaging segments, each offering unique insights and humor characteristic of the Kelce brothers.

I. NFL Rule Changes: The Potential End of The Tush Push

The episode opens with a heated discussion about the NFL's ongoing deliberations to ban the "Tush Push" play, a short-yardage strategy frequently employed by the Philadelphia Eagles. Jason and Travis express strong opinions on the matter, highlighting both safety concerns and strategic implications.

Jason Kelce emphasizes, "I think it's a regular short yardage play is probably more unsafe than a Tush Push. The assisting the runner has never made sense to me because defensive players are allowed to gang tackle running backs" [46:48]. This points to his belief that the Tush Push, contrary to some opinions, might not pose greater risks compared to traditional plays.

Travis Kelce adds his perspective by asserting, "I think it's perfect the way it is. If you want a higher seed, win your division and have the best record" [47:34], showing his support for maintaining current playoff seeding rules, which prioritize division winners.

The brothers also discuss their personal experiences and the impact of these rule changes on their careers. Jason candidly shares, "I'll come out of retirement today if you tell me all I got to do is run 80 tush pushes to play in the NFL" [50:19], underscoring his commitment to the play despite its potential ban.

II. NFL's Olympic Ambitions: Flag Football on the Horizon

Transitioning to international sports, Jason and Travis explore the NFL's initiative to introduce flag football into the 2028 Olympics. Both brothers advocate for the inclusion, recognizing the significance it holds for American representation in the global arena.

Jason Kelce enthusiastically states, "Olympic flag football. 1,000% in favor of the owners allowing NFL players to participate" [47:45], highlighting the opportunity for NFL athletes to showcase their skills on a world stage.

Travis Kelce supports this sentiment, adding, "I think we should find out saying he's... yeah. And the style he plays is suited pretty good" [48:18], referring to the competitiveness and professionalism NFL players can bring to Olympic flag football.

The discussion underscores the potential benefits of having NFL players represent the United States, enhancing the sport's visibility and fostering national pride through international competition.

III. New Heights Film Club: Celebrating "The Sandlot"

A standout segment of the episode is the "New Heights Film Club," where Jason and Travis review the beloved 1993 film "The Sandlot." Their conversation is infused with personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and a shared appreciation for the movie's timeless themes.

Jason Kelce reflects on the film's enduring impact, stating, "Baseball is the essence of baseball. It has Americana. It has legend and heroes and like it's just all beautiful" [77:30]. He praises the movie for its portrayal of friendship, overcoming adversity, and the cultural significance of baseball in American life.

Travis Kelce echoes this admiration, noting, "I don't think there is a better baseball movie. It really hits it like the beauty of baseball. It has Americana. It has legend and heroes and like it's just all so it gets to the essence of what makes baseball so incredible" [76:00]. The brothers delve into character dynamics, memorable scenes, and the film's nostalgic value, illustrating why "The Sandlot" holds a special place in their hearts.

Their enthusiastic discussion not only celebrates the film but also resonates with listeners who share a love for classic sports movies, emphasizing the universal themes of friendship, growth, and the love of the game.

IV. NFL Schedule and Playoff Seeding Adjustments

Further into the episode, Jason and Travis examine the upcoming NFL schedule and the implications of playoff seeding changes. They discuss the challenges and excitement brought about by playing multiple primetime games and the impact on team strategies.

Jason Kelce mentions, "We got a bunch of primetime games, and then we don't play in the same Slot in consecutive weeks until mid-December. So that'll be fun" [31:07], highlighting the varied scheduling that keeps the season dynamic.

Travis Kelce adds, "If you play on a short week on like a Saturday or a Friday, you just push up what you got to get done a few days" [37:30], emphasizing the adaptability required by players to maintain performance amid shifting game times.

The brothers acknowledge the increased visibility and competitiveness that primetime slots bring, reflecting on how these changes influence both players' routines and fan engagement.

V. Fan Interaction and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Jason and Travis engage with their audience through fan mentions and shout-outs, fostering a sense of community among listeners. They respond to fan tweets, celebrate community achievements, and encourage continued support for the show.

A notable interaction involves Will Compton, a University of Nebraska alumnus, who tweets about the Cincinnati Bearcats versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Kelce brothers humorously amplify his competitive spirit and engage in friendly banter, reinforcing the show's personable and inclusive atmosphere [14:03].

Additionally, they celebrate their March Madness bracket winner, Matt Oliver, who shares his excitement through social media. Jason commends Matt, "Congratulations to Matt rocking the Reds hat, the blacked out Reds cap" [19:53], showcasing the show's dedication to acknowledging and appreciating their dedicated fan base.

VI. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jason and Travis reflect on the discussed topics, reiterating their enthusiasm for the future of the NFL and the upcoming Olympic flag football debut. They reaffirm their commitment to providing insightful and entertaining content for their listeners, blending serious discussions with lighthearted moments.

Travis Kelce concludes, "This is the closest I'm ever going to get to Agro Craig. Legends of the Hidden Temple pendant" [09:12], blending humor with anticipation for the show's ongoing journey.

Jason Kelce adds, "It's the essence of baseball. It has Americana. It has like legendary heroes" [82:00], summarizing their enduring passion for sports and storytelling.

Overall, Episode 140 offers a comprehensive exploration of pivotal NFL developments, the sport's international aspirations, and a heartfelt homage to a cherished sports film, all delivered with the engaging chemistry and humor that "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce" is known for.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Kelce [46:48]: "I think a regular short yardage play is probably more unsafe than a Tush Push."
• Travis Kelce [47:34]: "If you want a higher seed, win your division and have the best record."
• Jason Kelce [77:30]: "Baseball is the essence of baseball. It has Americana. It has legend and heroes and like it's just all beautiful."
• Travis Kelce [76:00]: "I don't think there is a better baseball movie. It really hits it like the beauty of baseball."
• Jason Kelce [83:00]: "We could have been getting that for sure, but it was." (Context: discussing parental supervision in the movie)

This episode balances critical sports analysis with personal stories and cultural reflections, making it an invaluable listen for NFL enthusiasts and sports fans alike.