New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Chiefs Shutout, BGs Back + Allen Iverson on Crossing Jordan, Philly Fans, Step Overs & More | EP 161

October 22, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Travis Kelce announced he is officially an investor in theme park companies Six Flags and Cedar Fair, sparking a discussion about what a 'Kelsey roller coaster' would entail. 
  • The Kansas City Chiefs achieved their first regular season shutout since 2011 in their dominant 31-0 win over the Raiders, which was also the first shutout of Coach Andy Reid's career. 
  • The Philadelphia Eagles bounced back from a losing streak with a 28-22 victory over the Vikings, highlighted by Jalen Hurts' strong performance and the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice to the lineup. 
  • NBA Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson revealed that football was his first love, and he actively avoided the football field while at Georgetown because he was so heartbroken about not playing. 
  • Allen Iverson considers seeing Michael Jordan in person as his ultimate 'Welcome to the NBA' moment, stating that Jordan's existence made his own NBA dream feel possible. 
  • The fan Kayson Farrett received the special Stamp of the Week for getting a permanent pin-up tattoo of 'Jets Jake' on his leg, an act of extreme dedication to the podcast. 

Segments

Podcast Intro and Sponsorship Read
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(00:00:20)
  • Key Takeaway: WhatsApp is highlighted as the sponsor for facilitating easy communication among groups.
  • Summary: The hosts officially welcome listeners to the episode of New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, sponsored by WhatsApp. WhatsApp is promoted as the app that makes it easy for everyone to communicate and get on the same page for planning events. The hosts also give a brief shout-out to the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team’s recent success.
Episode Preview and Guest Introduction
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(00:01:10)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode features NFL recaps, a segment on a fan’s unusual tattoo, and an interview with NBA Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson.
  • Summary: The brothers preview upcoming segments, including recaps of the Chiefs’ win over the Raiders and the Eagles’ victory over the Vikings. They tease a segment featuring a 92%er with a tattoo of ‘Jets Jake’ on his leg. The main guest is confirmed to be NBA legend Allen Iverson, who will discuss his new documentary and career highlights.
Travis Kelce’s Theme Park Investment
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(00:02:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis Kelce has partnered with Six Flags and Cedar Fair as an investor in the theme park industry.
  • Summary: Travis Kelce officially announced his investment partnership with Six Flags and Cedar Fair, expressing excitement about joining the group that owns parks holding cherished childhood memories. The brothers reminisced about visiting amusement parks like Geauga Lake and Kings Island growing up in Ohio. They playfully speculated on the features of an ideal ‘Kelsey roller coaster,’ suggesting shoulder harnesses and indoor dark rides.
Travis Mistaken for Jesus
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(00:08:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Travis Kelce was once again mistaken for Jesus Christ in a visual comparison at a funeral.
  • Summary: A listener submitted an anecdote about a Jesus statue at a funeral strongly resembling Travis Kelce. The hosts joked about the well-groomed appearance of the statue, questioning what hair and beard care products might have been available in biblical times. They also reminded listeners to submit New Heights-themed Halloween costumes for a potential giveaway.
Chiefs vs. Raiders Week 7 Recap
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(00:09:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The Chiefs defense secured a rare shutout (31-0) against the Raiders, marking the first regular season shutout of Coach Andy Reid’s tenure.
  • Summary: The Chiefs dominated the Raiders, holding them to under 100 total yards and achieving 30 first downs themselves. Travis noted the offense was highly efficient, scoring touchdowns on five long drives, and highlighted the positive impact of Rashee Rice’s return. Despite the blowout, the focus for the Chiefs remains on health and maintaining weekly work ethic.
1587 Restaurant Menu Review
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(00:18:21)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason Kelsey plans to review several items from 1587, including the unique Hamachi sashimi appetizer and the A5 Wagyu strip steak with truffle butter.
  • Summary: Jason detailed his planned food reviews for 1587, noting the Hamachi sashimi as a unique appetizer for Kansas City steakhouses. He recommended Andy Reid’s Wagyu smash burger and the chicken nuggets with honey dipping sauces. Jason insisted that Travis try the A5 Wagyu strip steak with truffle-infused butter and truffle linguini, despite Travis’s preference for unadulterated steak.
WhatsApp and American Express Sponsorships
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(00:21:47)
  • Key Takeaway: WhatsApp is promoted for organizing large groups securely, while the American Express Platinum Card offers updated benefits like access to the largest global airport lounge network.
  • Summary: WhatsApp is promoted for planning large events like tailgates, ensuring everyone stays in the loop with secure, end-to-end encrypted communication. The American Express Platinum Card benefits include access to a vast global airport lounge network and premium hotel perks like 12 p.m. check-in when booking through AmexTravel.com.
Starbucks Protein Beverage Sponsorship
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(00:24:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Starbucks has introduced high-protein lattes, such as the Iced Vanilla Protein Latte, which contains 29 grams of protein in a grande size without a chalky aftertaste.
  • Summary: Starbucks’ new high-protein beverages are highlighted as a convenient way to combine coffee and fitness needs. The Iced Vanilla Protein Latte offers a creamy flavor with 29 grams of protein in a grande size, and both it and the Iced Protein Matcha are available sugar-free. Jason Kelsey was impressed that the protein enhancement did not compromise the taste.
Eagles vs. Vikings Week 7 Recap
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(00:26:24)
  • Key Takeaway: The Philadelphia Eagles secured a crucial win over the Vikings, with Jalen Hurts excelling in the passing game, which Jason attributes partly to the pressure Eagles fans apply during slumps.
  • Summary: The Eagles offense exploded for 326 yards and three touchdowns from Jalen Hurts, who was highly accurate on deep balls against Minnesota’s strong pass defense. Jason noted that the team’s struggles often force them to ‘circle the wagons,’ ultimately making them better by the end of the season. The segment referenced the historical rivalry stemming from the Vikings’ 2017 NFC Championship loss in Philadelphia.
Eagles Running Game and Tush Push Creativity
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(00:31:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason believes the Eagles’ running game, featuring Saquon Barkley, is ‘inevitable’ and will eventually click once defenses adjust to their potent passing attack.
  • Summary: Jason expressed confidence that Saquon Barkley’s running success will materialize once defenses are forced to respect the passing game, leading to better play-action opportunities. He praised Brian Flores’ creative defensive strategy against the Tush Push, where a Vikings player lay down on the line of scrimmage to disrupt the push. Jason suggested that dedicating six offensive linemen to the run game indicates the Eagles are committed to establishing it.
Brandon Graham Unretires
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(00:35:08)
  • Key Takeaway: Brandon Graham officially unretired to play his 16th season with the Philadelphia Eagles, prioritizing avoiding future regrets over retiring immediately after winning the Super Bowl.
  • Summary: Brandon Graham announced his return to the Eagles, stating he did not want to look back later in life wishing he had played another season. Jason believes BG brings significant value to the locker room beyond his on-field contributions, even if he only plays limited snaps. Jason confirmed he is staying retired, citing his body’s inability to handle full-contact practice drills like bull-rushing Jordan Davis.
Jason’s Failed Workout Attempt
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(00:39:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Jason Kelsey failed to squat 505 pounds during a football-specific workout video, prompting encouragement from Arnold Schwarzenegger in the comments to try again.
  • Summary: Jason admitted his power numbers were down during a recent football workout, blaming the preceding on-field conditioning session for his failure to squat 505 pounds. Arnold Schwarzenegger commented on the post, telling Jason he ‘just overthought it’ and should attempt it again. Jason plans to re-attempt the lift once his SI joint dysfunction heals.
Broncos Giants Fourth Quarter Chaos
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(00:40:49)
  • Key Takeaway: The Denver Broncos scored 33 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Giants, showcasing quarterback Bo Nix’s exceptional performance while trailing late in the game.
  • Summary: Bo Nix posted an incredible 162.8 passer rating in the fourth quarter while trailing, completing 81.3% of his passes in those high-pressure moments. Travis noted that this comeback highlights a trait where some players elevate their game under extreme urgency. Jason concluded that the loss was significantly worse for the Giants, who turned the ball over late while holding a lead.
Lions Monday Night Football Praise
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(00:43:42)
  • Key Takeaway: Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions are lauded for having the best self-identity in the NFL, characterized by physicality, unselfishness, and celebrating role players like Dan Skipper.
  • Summary: The Lions’ victory over the Buccaneers was praised for showcasing their established identity of physicality and commitment to running the ball. Jason highlighted that the team’s ethos is so strong that even backup players like Dan Skipper receive recognition from Coach Campbell. The hosts agreed that 8 p.m. Eastern is the latest a prime-time playoff game should start due to time zone conflicts.
DraftKings Week 8 Parlay Build
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(00:48:21)
  • Key Takeaway: For the Dolphins at Falcons Week 8 game, the suggested DraftKings Same Game Parlay includes Bijan Robinson exceeding his total yards and Drake London scoring an anytime touchdown.
  • Summary: The first leg of the parlay is Bijan Robinson over his total yards, capitalizing on the Dolphins’ poor run defense over the last three weeks. The second leg selects Drake London as an anytime touchdown scorer, noting that the Falcons offense heavily targets him and Robinson. The final pick is Tua Tagovailoa throwing over 0.5 interceptions, based on Mike McDaniel’s comment about limiting turnovers.
Dolphins/Falcons Parlay Picks
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(00:49:17)
  • Key Takeaway: The panel predicted Bijan Robinson as a top-three running back, favored Drake London for an anytime touchdown, and Jake predicted Tua Tagovailoa would throw over 0.5 interceptions.
  • Summary: Bijan Robinson was ranked as a top-three running back in the league, behind only Saquon Barkley. Drake London and Bijan are the primary targets for the Falcons offense. Jake’s ‘hater’s pick’ was Tua Tagovailoa throwing at least one interception.
Stamp of the Week Introduction
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(01:00:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The Stamp of the Week segment was dedicated to Kayson Farrett, who got a permanent pin-up tattoo of ‘Jets Jake’ on his leg.
  • Summary: The hosts honored a fan who followed through on the promise to get a ‘Jets Jake’ pin-up tattoo. Kayson Farrett showed the tattoo, which he got despite failing math twice in high school. He stated he got the tattoo with his last $800 before leaving a previous job.
Peloton Tread+ Features
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(01:00:03)
  • Key Takeaway: The new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ features Peloton IQ, which uses a movement tracking camera to count reps and provide real-time form corrections.
  • Summary: Peloton IQ offers personalized guidance, including suggesting when to increase weights for optimized progress. The screen swivels 360 degrees, allowing seamless transitions between running, strength training, and stretching workouts. The camera tracking reps is a major game changer for users who lose count during fatigue.
SeatGeek Discount Code
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(01:02:14)
  • Key Takeaway: SeatGeek is offering New Heights listeners 10% off using the code ‘NewHeights’, which applies to sports, concerts, and comedy shows.
  • Summary: The SeatGeek app features a rating system from one to ten, where a green dot indicates a good deal on tickets. The discount code ‘NewHeights’ can be applied to the user’s account for 10% off their next order. The platform has over 35 million downloads, making it a go-to ticket app.
Allstate Insurance Reminder
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(01:03:38)
  • Key Takeaway: Checking with Allstate first for a car insurance quote is highlighted as a smart action that could save hundreds of dollars.
  • Summary: Not checking Allstate first for a quote is presented as an unwise decision regarding potential savings on car insurance. The segment contrasts this with the poor feeling of realizing a high-scoring fantasy player is on your bench. Allstate assures customers they are in good hands.
Introducing Allen Iverson
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(01:04:22)
  • Key Takeaway: Allen Iverson’s decorated career includes being the 1996 first overall pick, 1997 Rookie of the Year, 2001 MVP, and an NBA 75th Anniversary Team member.
  • Summary: Iverson was the Associated Press High School Player of the Year in both football and basketball. He is a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. The introduction emphasizes his iconic swagger and confidence.
Iverson on Documentary & Authenticity
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(01:05:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Iverson views his documentary as a gift to inspire adults by being an open book about his turbulent life, emphasizing that it is important to be comfortable being exactly who God made you.
  • Summary: The documentary aims to show people that it is okay to fall down but crucial to get back up, proving that achieving goals is possible despite setbacks. Iverson stated he always wanted to be like Mike but was happy being himself. He believes his survival through difficult situations proves that anything is achievable.
Football vs. Basketball Dream
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(01:09:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Iverson’s first love was football, and his original dream was to play professionally in both the NFL and NBA, a path inspired by players like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson.
  • Summary: He initially thought basketball was ‘soft’ until his mother forced him to play, after which he embraced it. He cried walking past the football field at Georgetown because he missed the sport so much. He believes his football roots contributed to his fearless, physical style of play in basketball.
Iverson’s Favorite Football Players
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(01:13:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Allen Iverson is a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, citing Deion Sanders, Troy Aikman, Walter Payton, and Tony Dorsett as favorite football players.
  • Summary: Iverson mentioned receiving an autographed picture from a Cowboys player that read ‘fuck the cowboys up there,’ which he proudly displays. He respects the Kelces’ careers, noting Travis is the 2.0 version of Shannon Sharpe at tight end. Iverson respectfully declined to answer which sport would be easier for an athlete to switch to professionally.
Philly Fans Loyalty and DNA
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(01:20:54)
  • Key Takeaway: Iverson describes Philadelphia fans as the most loyal and beautiful, noting that while they will make you feel it during tough times, overcoming adversity earns you permanent status as ‘one of ours.’
  • Summary: The relationship between Iverson and Philly fans is everlasting because they supported him through his turbulent life, starting when he was 21. He contrasted the current Eagles team DNA of toughness and grit with the modern trend of load management, which he strongly opposes. He noted that if fans don’t see effort, they can immediately detect it.
Iconic 1996 Draft Class
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(01:26:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The 1996 NBA Draft class, featuring Allen Iverson, is considered by the speakers to be the greatest draft class ever, possibly only rivaled by the 2003 class.
  • Summary: The 1996 class included Iverson, Kobe Bryant (drafted 13th), Ray Allen, and others. The 2003 class is mentioned as the only comparable one, featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony. The Sixers honoring the 2001 team jersey is praised because Iverson made it iconic.
We Gotta Ask: Shoe & Crossover
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(01:28:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Allen Iverson’s favorite signature shoe is the first one, ‘The Question,’ and he does not consider his famous crossover on Michael Jordan his favorite career highlight because he missed the subsequent shot.
  • Summary: Iverson stated that seeing Michael Jordan up close was his true ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment, making his own dream feel real. He explained that the crossover on Jordan only became a highlight because he made the shot afterward, noting he had done worse moves that didn’t result in a made basket. The shooting sleeve originated from a necessary medical intervention for a swollen bursa sack on his arm.
Iverson’s Favorite Football Positions
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(01:37:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Iverson loved being a kick returner in football due to the advantage it offered against oncoming players, and he felt quarterback was the best position for control.
  • Summary: He believes cornerback is the hardest position in sports because the player lacks control over the game’s outcome. Iverson credits his teammates like Kimba and P.O. for making up for his defensive deficiencies in basketball, emphasizing that they were a complete team. He expressed deep appreciation for his mother’s support throughout his career.