Kelce Brothers Praise USA Women's Hockey Team Amid Controversy

Travis and Jason Kelce show support for the women's team after their dispute with the men's team.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce have voiced their support for the USA Women's Hockey Team amid the controversy surrounding the team's dispute with the USA Men's Hockey Team. The Kelce brothers praised the women's team's accomplishments, including their gold medal win, and highlighted the team's tight-knit camaraderie and humbleness. They also gave a shoutout to Laila Edwards, the first Black woman to play on the USA Women's Hockey Team, who is from the Kelces' hometown of Cleveland Heights.

Why it matters

The Kelce brothers' public support for the USA Women's Hockey Team shines a spotlight on the ongoing tensions between the men's and women's national hockey teams, as well as the broader issues of gender equity and representation in sports. Their endorsement of the women's team helps amplify the team's achievements and brings additional attention to the controversy.

The details

During the February 25 episode of their New Heights podcast, Travis and Jason Kelce discussed the USA Women's Hockey Team, praising their gold medal win and describing the team as "tight knit" and "playing jokes on one another." The brothers also highlighted Laila Edwards, a defender from their hometown of Cleveland Heights, as "the best athlete out of Cleveland Heights." The Kelces' comments come after President Donald Trump invited both the men's and women's gold medal-winning hockey teams to the White House, though the women's team declined the invitation.

  • The Kelce brothers made their comments about the USA Women's Hockey Team on the February 25 episode of their New Heights podcast.
  • The USA Women's Hockey Team won the gold medal at the 2026 Olympics.
  • President Donald Trump invited both the men's and women's gold medal-winning hockey teams to the White House, though the women's team declined the invitation.

The players

Travis Kelce

An NFL player and brother of Jason Kelce, who has publicly supported the USA Women's Hockey Team.

Jason Kelce

An NFL player and brother of Travis Kelce, who has publicly supported the USA Women's Hockey Team.

Laila Edwards

A defender on the USA Women's Hockey Team and the first Black woman to play on the team, who is from the Kelces' hometown of Cleveland Heights.

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What they’re saying

“Hockey capital in the world. I mean, dude, we're men's and women's gold medal[ists]. Best country on the planet in hockey.”

— Jason Kelce, NFL Player (New Heights)

“We got a chance to meet that whole team. We hung out with them too after the men won gold in the little back room. They're a great team, man. They're tight knit. They're playing jokes on one another. Just so proud for all of them.”

— Jason Kelce, NFL Player (New Heights)

“Best athlete out of Cleveland Heights. That's what she said on the other podcast. And I'm just gonna say, Laila, I've got two banners up in the Cleveland Heights hockey rink.”

— Jason Kelce, NFL Player (New Heights)

What’s next

The USA Women's Hockey Team is expected to continue their preparations for future international competitions, while the controversy with the men's team remains an ongoing issue.

The takeaway

The Kelce brothers' public support for the USA Women's Hockey Team highlights the continued need for greater gender equity and representation in sports. Their endorsement of the women's team and its players, like Laila Edwards, helps amplify the team's achievements and brings more attention to the broader issues surrounding the dispute with the men's team.