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Former NFL star Jason Kelce added another unexpected chapter to his post-football career on Saturday. He won a NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega Superspeedway – not as a driver, but as a member of the pit crew for Corey Day’s No. 17 team.
Since hanging up his cleats after what’s likely a Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce’s been everywhere. He co-hosts ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown and runs the New Heights podcast with his brother Travis.
His recent appearance at The Masters Par 3 contest stirred up some controversy.
Now he’s diving into motorsports.
If you didn’t know better, you’d think @JasonKelce was just another @TeamHendrick pit crew member. pic.twitter.com/vEFIPdFuLS
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) April 25, 2026
From the Broadcast Booth to the Pit Box
Kelce spent Saturday embedded with Hendrick Motorsports at the legendary Alabama superspeedway. But he wasn’t there just to observe – he suited up in a firesuit and got his hands dirty, moving tires to and from the pit stall and even helping with fueling during live pit stops.
The work paid off. Day cycled through the final round of pit stops with the lead group; he grabbed the lead with one lap to go and held on after a crash unfolded behind him on the final lap.
Jason Kelce just won a @NASCAROReillyAP race as a crew member. pic.twitter.com/PGplPOrPAi
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) April 25, 2026
It marked the first win for both Kelce and the 20-year-old Day, who’s considered one of NASCAR’s top young prospects.
Following the victory, Kelce and his crew told reporters they were heading to Talladega’s Boulevard – the massive infield camping area known for its wild celebrations.
The 17 pit crew just won @TALLADEGA, @JasonKelce what are you going to do next?! #Nascar pic.twitter.com/nqNVkNTpGf
— Mamba Smith (@MambaSmith34) April 25, 2026
A Natural Pipeline
This might be a one-off for Kelce, but NASCAR teams regularly recruit former college football players for pit crew roles. The tire changer Kelce shadowed during the race, Rod Cox, played linebacker at North Carolina State.
Whether this becomes Jason’s next passion project remains to be seen.
