Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, 37, recently revealed a surprising preference for jock straps over compression shorts. In a January 8th episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, 35, the topic of protective gear arose. A caller inquired about the decline in jock strap usage among NFL players, leading to a humorous exchange between the brothers.
Compression Shorts vs. Jock Straps: Functionality and Comfort
Jason explained that the shift away from jock straps is due to the advent of compression shorts. “They’re just way more efficient at holding everything in place and better,” he stated, highlighting the superior functionality of the tight-fitting garment worn under football uniforms. Travis echoed this sentiment, adding that compression shorts “eliminate the chafing” often associated with jock straps, which require daily powder application to prevent discomfort.
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Left: A jock strap; Right: Compression shorts. Getty (2)
Jason Kelce’s Unique Reason for Sticking with the Jock Strap
Despite the benefits of compression shorts, Jason admitted to a lingering fondness for the traditional jock strap. He confessed to wearing it exclusively on game days, even parading around the locker room pre-game in nothing but the supportive garment. While acknowledging the comedic value of his actions, Jason also offered a more aesthetic rationale for his choice. “I thought it, like, cupped my butt cheek nice and it made my butt look better,” he revealed, much to Travis’s amusement. He jokingly added, “I needed help because I don’t have a great ass.”
The Evolution of Protective Gear in the NFL
Travis brought the conversation back to the practical purpose of athletic supporters, noting that the jock strap was initially designed to hold a protective cup, which fewer players wear nowadays. He agreed that compression shorts offer a more comprehensive solution for securing and protecting the groin area, rendering the jock strap largely obsolete in its original function. Jason concurred, stating, “Once you have compression shorts, you didn’t need that.” The conversation highlighted the evolution of athletic gear in the NFL, driven by advancements in fabric technology and a greater emphasis on player comfort and performance.
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Jason Kelce on the field with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. Kevin Sabitus/Getty
The Kelce brothers’ candid discussion provided a humorous and insightful glimpse into the locker room culture of the NFL and the changing trends in player equipment. While Jason’s personal preference for the jock strap might be an outlier, it underscores the individual choices players make regarding comfort and personal style, even within the highly regulated world of professional sports.
