Philadelphia Sports Icon Jason Kelce Claims Gritty Mascot Is Modeled After Him
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In a recent episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, retired NFL star Jason Kelce made a bold statement that the beloved Philadelphia Flyers mascot, Gritty, was actually based on his own likeness. Kelce, who played as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, firmly believes that Gritty’s creation was inspired by him, citing similarities in their appearance.
According to Jason, Gritty made its debut just one year after the iconic Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl parade in 2018. Kelce expressed his conviction, stating, “I will take this to my grave. Gritty was started the year after the parade. That thing looks f—— just like me.” Despite his brother Travis’ attempts to change the subject, Jason remained adamant, pointing out resemblances in features like eyebrows.
Although Travis dismissed the idea, claiming that Gritty’s appearance did not match Jason’s, the former Eagles center continued to argue his case. Refusing to back down, Kelce insisted, “They’ll never admit it. This thing, they f—— modeled this thing after me.” The light-hearted debate between the brothers added a humorous touch to the podcast episode.
As a longtime supporter of the Philadelphia Flyers, Jason Kelce has been an active figure in the local sports scene. His passion for hockey, having played the sport in his youth, further solidifies his connection to the team and its iconic mascot. Gritty, known for its quirky antics and vibrant personality, quickly became a fan favorite following its introduction in 2018.
Christine Mina, the senior manager of digital media for the Flyers, revealed that the decision to create Gritty arose from a realization that the team was the only one in Philadelphia without a mascot following the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. The concept for Gritty was developed in the summer of 2018, with the mascot’s wild appearance capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding Gritty’s origins, the mascot remains a beloved symbol of the Philadelphia Flyers and the city’s sports culture. Whether or not there is any truth to Jason Kelce’s claim, his playful assertion has added an amusing twist to the ongoing saga of Gritty’s creation. Fans can continue to enjoy Gritty’s entertaining presence at Flyers’ games, regardless of its supposed resemblance to the legendary NFL player.