New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Caitlin Clark on New Nike Ad, Signature Shoe & Fantasy Punishments + Week 18 Preview | EP 173

December 31, 2025

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  • Caitlin Clark is deeply involved in the creation of her signature Nike shoe, which has been in development for about a year and a half, aiming for unique technology and exciting colorways, including a Chiefs-themed one. 
  • Jason Kelce is actively pursuing a goal to dunk a basketball within 30 days, despite video evidence showing his current jumping ability is limited, leading to a discussion on proper jumping technique. 
  • Caitlin Clark shared insights into the rigorous process of developing her signature shoe technology, emphasizing the need for comfort and performance equivalent to or better than the Kobe models she currently plays in. 
  • Travis Kelce reflected positively on playing with backup quarterback Chris Oladokun on Christmas Day, praising his excitement and composure despite the Chiefs' loss. 
  • Jason Kelce provided a 'spin zone' analysis of the Eagles' win over the Bills, highlighting the team's ability to win despite zero second-half passing completions, while also strongly criticizing the decision to go for two in the final moments. 
  • The brothers discussed the significance of Week 18 matchups, Travis's 11th Pro Bowl selection, and reviewed various NFL players' extravagant Christmas gifts to their offensive linemen. 

Segments

Dunking Challenge Setup
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason is on a mission to learn how to dunk within 30 days, requiring him to lose weight and perfect technique.
  • Summary: The segment opens with a discussion about Jason’s goal to dunk in a few weeks (30 days), involving losing 20 pounds and mastering technique, starting with smaller balls.
Podcast Introduction and Sponsors
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(00:00:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The brothers welcome listeners back to ‘New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce,’ sponsored by Nike, and preview the show’s content.
  • Summary: Travis and Jason introduce the podcast, mention the ESBN zone segment, and outline the episode, which includes catching up, a Week 18 NFL preview, and an interview with Caitlin Clark.
Caitlin Clark Joins New Heights
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(00:01:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin Clark returns to the podcast to discuss her new Nike ad, signature shoe launch, and her recent accolades.
  • Summary: The ‘New News’ segment, brought to you by Nike, features Caitlin Clark, who is introduced with a long list of accomplishments. She expresses excitement about her return to the show.
Caitlin Clark’s Nike Ad and Shoe
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(00:02:25)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin Clark is excited about the launch surrounding her new logo and upcoming signature shoe, which she will wear next season.
  • Summary: Caitlin discusses the launch of her new Nike ad and logo, noting that the shoe itself is expected to come out later. She mentions the diverse group of people featured in the commercial.
Jason’s Dunking Attempts Footage
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(00:03:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Footage is played showing Jason’s uncoordinated attempts to dunk a basketball, confirming his current lack of ability.
  • Summary: Following the discussion about dunking, video evidence of Jason’s attempts is shown, highlighting his struggle to jump off one foot and his lack of rim contact.
Basketball Technique Discussion
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(00:04:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin suggests that learning to shoot correctly is technically easier than learning to jump higher/dunk for someone lacking explosive athleticism.
  • Summary: They debate whether it’s easier for Jason to learn to dunk or improve his shooting. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of proper shooting form from a young age.
Travis’s Dunking Ability
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(00:05:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis confirms he can still dunk easily and expects to maintain that ability until he is around 50 years old.
  • Summary: Jason asks Travis if he can still dunk, to which Travis confidently replies yes, contrasting with Jason’s current struggles.
Sneaker Design Process
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(00:07:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin Clark’s signature shoe process began at the end of her senior year at Iowa, involving comparisons between Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour.
  • Summary: Travis asks about the timeline and process for designing a signature shoe. Caitlin explains it has been about a year and a half of work, focusing on comfort, uniqueness, and technology.
Shoe Technology and Player Comfort
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(00:10:56)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin is highly involved in the technology of her shoe, ensuring it meets her comfort needs, which differ from other players’ preferences (like Kobe models).
  • Summary: They discuss how technology in shoes affects performance. Caitlin notes that she needs specific cushioning in both the heel and forefoot, and her shoe will feature new technology.
Jason’s Custom Cleats Story
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(00:12:30)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason had to use 3D foot analysis to find an older cleat mold that worked for his foot after Nike changed their standard mold.
  • Summary: Jason shares a detailed story about how he had his foot scanned and discovered he preferred an older cleat mold, forcing him to have old pairs repaired by a cobbler.
Favorite Sneakers and Childhood Kicks
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(00:13:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis’s favorite shoe was the self-tying Marty McFly, while Jason’s love for kicks started with the Jordan era, leading to a story about buying fake LeBron 2s.
  • Summary: They discuss their favorite shoes. Travis mentions the Marty McFly, and Jason recounts being embarrassed in high school after buying counterfeit black and silver LeBron 2s.
Caitlin’s Team USA Experience
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(00:17:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin found getting back on the court after injuries for Team USA practice at Duke to be fun, confirming she is back to her pre-injury level.
  • Summary: Caitlin discusses returning to the court after a tough year of injuries, noting the difficulty of relearning to run, but feeling good after practicing with the best players.
Future International Basketball Goals
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(00:18:47)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin’s goals include making the 2028 Olympic team and playing in the 2026 World Cup.
  • Summary: Caitlin outlines her upcoming international schedule, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, noting the World Cup can sometimes be harder to win.
NFL Players in Flag Football
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(00:19:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The brothers believe many NFL players, especially receivers and defensive backs, will want to play in the upcoming flag football Olympics.
  • Summary: They speculate on which NFL players might participate in flag football, noting that while it’s a different sport, it offers players national exposure.
International Jersey Number Rules
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(00:21:25)
  • Key Takeaway: International basketball jersey numbers are restricted to 4 through 15 for the US team, and players get a tag listing past wearers of their number.
  • Summary: Caitlin explains that newcomers to the national team are assigned random numbers (she got 17) and discusses the historical significance attached to jersey numbers.
Philip Rivers Flag Football Appearance
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(00:22:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason and Travis discuss the surprising reality of seeing Philip Rivers play flag football and the heartbreaking loss his team suffered in his debut game.
  • Summary: They react to seeing Philip Rivers play flag football, noting how unbelievable it seemed at first, and discuss the close loss his team experienced in Seattle.
NFL Playoff Predictions
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(00:23:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason favors the Rams as the safest playoff team due to their lack of questions, while Caitlin is rooting for the Patriots and likes the Rams and Sam Darnold.
  • Summary: With the Chiefs out, they discuss the playoff picture. Jason praises the Rams’ stability. Caitlin mentions rooting for Drake Maye and the Patriots.
Eagles Playoff Chances
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(00:25:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason believes the Eagles will perform better than expected in the first round due to their defense and the potential advantage of playing a West Coast team traveling East.
  • Summary: Jason analyzes the Eagles’ path, noting their strong defense and the talent waiting to explode on offense, giving them a chance against anyone.
Fantasy League Punishment Details
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(00:26:29)
  • Key Takeaway: The loser of the fantasy league faces a punishment involving a 17-hour bus ride with no phone, which must be live-streamed on Instagram.
  • Summary: Jason asks about the fantasy league punishment. Caitlin details the options, including the long bus ride or an IHOP pancake challenge, noting the bus rider must live stream the ordeal.
NFL Fantasy History Game
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(00:27:40)
  • Key Takeaway: They play a fantasy football history game called ‘NFL Perry’ where they pick the best season for a player from a randomly selected team since fantasy football began.
  • Summary: They attempt to play the game, starting with the Houston Texans, where they select Andre Johnson, and then the Buffalo Bills, selecting Josh Allen for QB.
Raiders and Commanders Fantasy Picks
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(00:30:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The Raiders and Commanders proved difficult for the brothers to pick players for, leading them to pass on the Raiders’ selection.
  • Summary: They move to the Raiders, struggling to name a top player, and pass using their one pass. For the Commanders, they debate between McLaurin and Clinton Portis.
Chargers Pick and Game Score
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(00:33:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The Chargers pick was easy, with Jason selecting LaDainian Tomlinson (LT), resulting in a very solid fantasy score that nearly beat the high score.
  • Summary: They easily select LT for the Chargers, achieving a high score. They then review the Washington picks, concluding Shady (McCoy) was likely the best choice.
Opening Caitlin’s Christmas Gift
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(00:34:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason opens a Christmas gift from Caitlin, which contains basketball-related items like a hoop, friendship bracelet, and beach bag.
  • Summary: Jason opens the gift sent by Caitlin. The contents include items like a beach bag, a friendship bracelet, and a small basketball hoop, which they immediately use.
Caitlin’s Daughter Shoots Basketball
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(00:37:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin’s daughter, Kylie, attempts to shoot the basketball from the small hoop, showing off a strong throwing arm.
  • Summary: They encourage Kylie to take a shot with the new hoop. She throws the ball with significant force, impressing the brothers with her arm strength.
Caitlin’s Christmas and Season Prep
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(00:38:52)
  • Key Takeaway: Caitlin enjoyed time off in Florida after USA Basketball commitments and is now preparing for the upcoming WNBA season.
  • Summary: Caitlin discusses her Christmas break in Florida and looks forward to the WNBA season starting in a couple of months.
Wrapping Up with Caitlin Clark
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(00:39:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The brothers thank Caitlin, express excitement for her CC1 shoes, and encourage listeners to check out Nike’s campaign.
  • Summary: The segment concludes with thanks to Caitlin, and Jason reiterates his need for the CC1s to help him dunk.
Nike Campaign Wrap-up and Xfinity Ad
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(00:40:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts praise Caitlin’s mentality and thank Nike for the ‘From Anywhere’ campaign, followed by an ad read for Xfinity Wi-Fi.
  • Summary: They reflect on Caitlin’s inspiration and the Nike campaign. They transition to promoting Xfinity’s reliable Wi-Fi service, highlighting a five-year price lock.
NHL Winter Classic Announcement
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(00:41:52)
  • Key Takeaway: The NHL Winter Classic is coming to South Florida for the first time, featuring the Panthers vs. the Rangers, with special uniforms.
  • Summary: They discuss the upcoming outdoor hockey game in Miami, noting the unique challenge of ice in Florida and the special centennial jerseys for the Rangers and new look for the Panthers.
Jason’s Dunking Mechanics Critique
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(00:42:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis critiques Jason’s jumping mechanics, calling him uncoordinated and suggesting he needs to master the gather and penultimate step for better results.
  • Summary: Travis analyzes the dunking footage again, stating Jason needs better mechanics, despite his high standing vertical jump, to gain more height while running.
NFL Week 17 Recap and Oladokun
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(00:45:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis reflects on the Christmas Day game loss but praises the team’s effort, especially backup QB Chris Oladokun, who was living out his dream.
  • Summary: Travis discusses playing on Christmas Day, noting the magical atmosphere despite the loss. He highlights the excitement of seeing Chris Oladokun get his NFL experience.
Chiefs Christmas Game Recap
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(00:45:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis Kelce praised backup QB Chris Oladucin’s performance in the Christmas Day loss.
  • Summary: Travis Kelce discusses the Chiefs’ Week 17 Christmas game, acknowledging the loss but highlighting the positive performance of backup quarterback Chris Oladucin, who played without turnovers.
Week 18 Raiders Preview
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(00:49:04)
  • Key Takeaway: The Chiefs are preparing for a fierce rivalry game against the Raiders in Las Vegas, despite playoff seeding implications being settled.
  • Summary: The brothers look ahead to the Week 18 matchup against the Raiders in Vegas, emphasizing the rivalry. They also briefly discuss Max Crosby being placed on IR.
Travis’s 11th Pro Bowl Selection
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(00:50:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis Kelce earned his 11th Pro Bowl selection and reminisced about winning the Pro Bowl MVP in 2016.
  • Summary: Jason congratulates Travis on his Pro Bowl selection, which Travis initially miscounts as his 10th. They discuss the fan voting impact and recall playing against each other in the 2016 Pro Bowl.
Eagles vs. Bills Game Analysis
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(00:53:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The Eagles won despite having zero pass completions in the second half, showcasing defensive strength but offensive line struggles.
  • Summary: Jason analyzes the Eagles’ win over the Bills, focusing on the bizarre statistic of no second-half completions. They credit the defense but criticize the offensive line communication.
Two-Point Conversion Debate
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(00:57:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason strongly believed Coach McDermott should have gone for the two-point conversion against the Eagles rather than kicking to tie.
  • Summary: The hosts debate the decision by Bills coach McDermott to go for two points late in the game. Jason argues that with Josh Allen, they should always go for the win.
Week 18 Seeding and Resting Starters
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(00:59:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason advises the Eagles to rest starters in Week 18 unless the #1 seed is attainable, citing past injury risks.
  • Summary: They discuss the implications of Week 18 games for playoff seeding, including the Steelers/Ravens AFC North showdown. Jason stresses the importance of resting key players to avoid playoff injuries.
NFL Quarterback Christmas Gifts
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(01:09:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Quarterbacks gave extravagant and creative gifts to their offensive lines, ranging from luxury goods to prehistoric fossils.
  • Summary: The segment reviews the Christmas gifts QBs gave their linemen, including Caleb Williams (Bottega Veneta), Josh Allen (quarter cow), and Joe Burrow (fossils).
Stamp of the Week Selections
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(01:17:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis selected Trey McBride for breaking the tight end reception record, while Jason chose a clip of an offensive lineman catching a pass.
  • Summary: Sponsored by the NHL on TNT, the hosts select their ‘Stamps of the Week,’ honoring Trey McBride’s record and an impressive catch by an O-lineman.
No-Dumb Questions and Favorite Gifts
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(01:22:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis would rather get waxed than watch endless clips of himself; Jake’s favorite gift was a sandwich-making class.
  • Summary: The hosts answer listener questions, including a ‘would you rather’ about watching Travis Kelce or getting waxed. They share their favorite Christmas gifts, including a Kevin Nealon print for Jason and a sandwich class for Jake.