Introduction
Whenever a football fan hears the name “Kelce,” two NFL stars come to mind—Jason and Travis. Yet, behind these champions are two extraordinary individuals, Donna and Ed Kelce, whose love, sacrifices, and perseverance shaped one of the most remarkable family legacies in American sports. Their story is about love at first conversation, raising two determined sons, facing challenges with grace, and walking separate paths without losing respect or affection. This account explores their lives—from their first meeting to their family life, their careers, the difficulties they faced, and their enduring influence beyond the football field. The story of Donna and Ed Kelce is one of partnership, strength, and legacy that continues to inspire countless families across the nation.
Real Name
Donna Kelce was born Donna Blalock in Cleveland, Ohio. Her husband, Ed Kelce, is widely known by his full name, though little is publicly available about his middle name or birth details. Donna’s family background includes Croatian roots, tracing through her maternal grandparents, which adds a touch of heritage to the Kelce family’s cultural story.
Early Life and Education
Donna Kelce grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where her early life was filled with both hardship and inspiration. She lost her mother when she was just twelve years old, an event that shaped her character and independence. Her father later remarried, and Donna found guidance in her stepmother, Mary. Despite her father’s disapproval of women participating in sports, Donna trained in secret and became a successful athlete in her high school years. Her determination paid off when she competed in track and field events and even won titles in the Junior Olympics—a clear sign of her drive and competitive spirit.
Ed Kelce, on the other hand, was raised in a family that held strong military traditions. Growing up in the same region, Ed was surrounded by discipline, service, and hard work. Many members of his family had proudly served in World War II, which greatly influenced his early values and career ambitions.
Parents and Siblings
There is little public information about Ed’s parents and siblings, but his family’s military background is well known. Donna’s parents played a significant role in shaping her values despite the early loss of her mother. Her father’s remarriage provided her with emotional stability through her stepmother, who supported Donna’s personal and professional growth. While both Ed and Donna came from different walks of life, their shared sense of duty, hard work, and family value became the foundation of their own family.
Children
Donna and Ed Kelce are the proud parents of two sons—Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce—both of whom became NFL superstars. Jason Kelce, born on November 5, 1987, became an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, while his younger brother, Travis Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, became a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Both brothers attended the University of Cincinnati, where they played college football before making it to the NFL. Jason is married to Kylie McDevitt Kelce, and together they have four daughters. Their family dynamic is often admired for its closeness and support, a reflection of the upbringing Donna and Ed provided.
Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Appearance
Donna Kelce was born on October 9, 1952, making her 72 years old as of 2025. She is known for her energetic personality, colorful game-day outfits, and warm smile. Donna is often seen cheering for both of her sons, sometimes even wearing a split Eagles/Chiefs jersey to support them equally. Ed Kelce’s exact birth year isn’t publicly confirmed, but he is estimated to be in his early to mid-seventies. He has a sturdy build, typical of his background in steelwork and industry, and is often seen at games, interacting warmly with fans and family alike.
Before Fame
Before their sons became NFL legends, both Donna and Ed had ordinary yet hardworking lives. Donna built a successful career in banking, working with Mastercard and later in commercial real estate finance in Cleveland. Her dedication and intellect made her a respected figure in her field. Ed Kelce pursued a different path, first attempting a military career, which was cut short due to health issues. He later worked in steel mills and industrial settings, dedicating himself to providing a comfortable life for his family. Their shared work ethic and commitment to their sons’ future laid the foundation for the Kelce family’s success story.
Career
Donna Kelce
Donna Kelce is best known to the public as the mother of Jason and Travis Kelce, but her achievements extend beyond motherhood. She had a thriving banking career spanning over three decades, during which she worked for major corporations such as Mastercard and became involved in commercial real estate finance. In later years, she gained public recognition through media appearances and philanthropic work. Donna has been involved in charitable projects, such as campaigns that raised funds to pay off student lunch debts. Her warm personality and community engagement have made her a beloved public figure, affectionately called “Mama Kelce.”
Ed Kelce
Ed Kelce is a man of integrity, discipline, and quiet strength. Although less public than his former wife, Ed has shared valuable insights about parenting, sacrifice, and family in various interviews and in the Kelce documentary. His earlier aspirations to serve in the military were interrupted by medical reasons, leading him to a career in the steel and industrial sector. Over the years, Ed became a model of hard work and resilience. Today, he lives close to Jason’s family home, about a mile away, remaining a constant presence in his sons’ and grandchildren’s lives.
Social Media Presence
Donna Kelce has become somewhat of a social media sensation in recent years. Her warm, humorous, and relatable posts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have gained her thousands of followers who adore her as the ultimate football mom. She often shares family moments, charity work, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life during football season. Ed Kelce, in contrast, prefers a private life and rarely appears on social media platforms. However, his appearances in interviews and documentaries have earned him admiration from fans who appreciate his humility and grounded perspective.
Nationality and Religion
Both Donna and Ed Kelce are American nationals. Donna’s maternal family traces back to Croatian heritage, which adds to the family’s multicultural identity. Although neither Donna nor Ed has spoken extensively about their religious beliefs, their values—centered on respect, love, humility, and hard work—reflect a deep moral foundation and traditional family ethics.
Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Donna and Ed Kelce is far greater than their sons’ achievements on the football field. They are the first parents in NFL history to have two sons compete against each other in a Super Bowl, famously known as the “Kelce Bowl” in 2023. Yet, their impact goes beyond sports. They have become symbols of positive co-parenting, resilience after divorce, and the strength of family unity. Even after their separation, Donna and Ed continued to work as a team, attending games together and supporting both sons equally. Their story is one of mutual respect and enduring partnership that sets a rare example for families everywhere. The documentary “Kelce” offers an intimate look at their family dynamics, revealing the love, discipline, and humor that built the Kelce legacy.
Hobbies
Donna enjoys acting, public speaking, and community events. She has appeared in Hallmark films and often participates in charitable programs. She also loves baking and has become known for her “Mama Kelce cookies”, which she brings to big games as a family tradition. Ed enjoys simpler pleasures—spending time outdoors, gardening, and visiting Jason’s farm. He enjoys supporting his sons’ games and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
Net worth
1.55 million for Donna and heigher for Ed
Favorite Things
Donna loves music from the 1970s and 1980s, especially artists like Chaka Khan and Earth, Wind & Fire. Her favorite activities include traveling, cooking, and attending football games. Ed enjoys the peace of nature and meaningful conversations. Both parents value family gatherings, humor, and the joy of watching their sons achieve their dreams.
Interesting Facts
Donna lost her mother at a young age, which made her more independent and strong-willed. Despite her father’s objections, she competed secretly in athletics and became a Junior Olympics winner. During the 2023 Super Bowl, she wore a split jersey—half Eagles, half Chiefs—to support both sons equally, becoming a viral sensation. Even after their divorce, Donna and Ed maintained a close friendship for the sake of their sons. Ed once shared that after the Super Bowl, he made sure to console the losing son first before celebrating with the winner. Sadly, in 2025, Ed experienced a personal loss when his girlfriend, Maureen Maguire, passed away at age 74.
FAQs
Who are Donna and Ed Kelce?
Donna and Ed Kelce are the parents of NFL superstars Jason and Travis Kelce. Donna worked in banking, while Ed worked in steel and industry.
Did Donna and Ed stay together until their sons grew up?
Yes. They remained married for around 25 years, divorcing only after their sons finished college to ensure family stability.
What does Donna Kelce do now?
Donna now appears in media and community events, acts in Hallmark films, and continues her charitable efforts.
Where does Ed Kelce live now?
Ed lives close to Jason’s family home, about a mile away, to stay near his children and grandchildren.
What is the “Kelce” documentary?
“Kelce” is a 2022 documentary focused on Jason Kelce’s NFL career, family life, and relationship with his brother Travis. It also offers insights into Donna and Ed’s parenting and family values.
Conclusion
The story of Donna and Ed Kelce is one of dedication, love, and resilience. Their relationship began by chance, blossomed into a marriage, and produced two of the NFL’s most iconic brothers. Even though they eventually separated, their unity as parents never faltered. They raised their sons with values of hard work, discipline, and humility—qualities that shine through in Jason and Travis’s success. Their legacy is not just about football victories but about the strength of family, the beauty of co-parenting, and the endurance of love in all its forms. Donna and Ed Kelce may not be the ones scoring touchdowns, but their influence is felt in every game, every cheer, and every victory shared by the Kelce family.
