Before Jason Kelce whipped off his shirt to celebrate his brother Travis’s touchdown at last night’s Chiefs win over the Bills, my TikTok feed was blowing up with a different Kelce exchange.
A touching moment between the two NFL players on last week’s episode of their podcast New Heights went viral on social media, and if you’re looking for an example of positive masculinity in action, this is it.
While reflecting on what could be his last NFL game, Jason becomes visibly emotional. And his younger brother Travis, demonstrating A+ emotional intelligence, gives him the time and space to feel his feelings. And he tears up, too, feeling his own feelings right alongside his big brother!
In this moment, Travis creates a safe emotional space for Jason to confront the enormity of this impending huge life change.
Why does it matter?
Here at SG HQ, we’re very pro-men feeling their feelings, and encouraging and empowering others to do so!
Men can be vulnerable, and it’s incumbent on other men—not just women—to hold space for that kind of emotion in interactions. So, if you’re looking to be (and raise!) emotionally intelligent men, keep reading.
@TheEvolvedMan
“Men afraid of being seen as feminine are actually afraid of being treated the way that they themselves treat women.”
@nickmatiash Shoutout to Jason and Travis for their continued open, honest, and raw convos. Respect to both of you 🤜🏻🤛🏼 @New Heights #evolvedman #nickmatiash #eq #beaman ♬ original sound – The Evolved Man
@LizPlank
“His silence actually says everything”
@lizplank #fortheloveofmen #traviskelce #feminism #taylorswift #masculinity #men #women ♬ original sound – liz
The takeaway? The next time a man tears up in your presence, let him!
Don’t look away uncomfortably. Don’t even tell him, “Stop. It’s okay. Don’t cry.”
Instead, hold space for him. Validate his feelings. Tell him you’re there for him.
And if you’re the one doing the crying? Look for the friends who don’t make you feel silly or weak for it.
