Jason Kelce Shocks NFL: Says Lions “Earned the Win” After Controversial Call That Saved Eagles
In a rare moment of blunt honesty, former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce sent shockwaves through the NFL community this week by saying the Detroit Lions “deserved the win” in Sunday’s matchup — a game the Eagles survived thanks to a highly disputed fourth-quarter call. The remark, made during an appearance on his weekly podcast, immediately sparked national conversation and drew praise from fans who valued his candor.
The controversy centered on a late defensive holding penalty called against Detroit, a flag that extended an Eagles drive that appeared to be collapsing. Instead of turning the ball over and giving the Lions a chance to close out the game, Philadelphia used the fresh set of downs to march 62 yards and score the go-ahead touchdown. Detroit never regained momentum, and the Eagles escaped with a narrow victory that many analysts described as “fortunate at best.”
Kelce, who spent his entire career building a reputation for accountability and integrity, did not hesitate to address the moment.
“Look, I love the Eagles more than anything,” he said. “But if we’re being real, the Lions outplayed us. That call changed the game, and they deserved the win. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it’s the truth.”
His comments stood in stark contrast to the usual league-circulated talking points about officiating. Current players and coaches typically avoid criticizing calls, fearing fines or league repercussions. Kelce, now retired and speaking freely, said he felt obligated to “call it like it is” for the sake of the sport and its fans.
Reactions poured in across social media. Lions fans hailed Kelce as “the voice of fairness,” while some Eagles supporters argued he was being overly critical of his former team. Neutral observers applauded the transparency, noting that public trust in officiating has been a rising concern throughout the season.
Even several Detroit players responded subtly, with one veteran lineman posting, “Respect,” on his X account shortly after the quote went viral.
The NFL has not commented publicly on the officiating sequence, and the league's weekly officiating report has yet to be released. Still, Kelce’s remarks have added renewed pressure for clearer replay standards and more accountability in crucial late-game situations.
Whether the controversy fades or fuels broader reform remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jason Kelce’s candid assessment has reignited a league-wide debate — and has once again shown why his voice still carries tremendous weight long after stepping off the field.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel’s Fiancée Sounds Off After Injury: ‘Do Better’
Dillon Gabriel’s fiancée had some strong words for Cleveland Browns fans who celebrated the rookie quarterback going down against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Gabriel started his fifth game of the season against the Ravens but didn’t emerge from the locker room after the half. He was placed in concussion protocol and was quickly ruled out.
With Gabriel sidelined, Shedeur Sanders took over at quarterback and was met with raucous cheers at Huntington Bank Field. Gabriel’s fiancée, Zo Caswell, offered an update on the Browns quarterback’s condition and didn’t hold back on fans who cheered his injury.
“To those of you who have reached out concerned about Dillon, he is doing great and will be back soon! We are grateful for your support,” Caswell said in a TikTok video. “And to the ‘Browns’ fans at the game on Sunday night, if you cheered at the start of the second half knowing he was hurt, there’s a special place in h*** for you. You should feel ashamed of yourselves. Players are real people, not fictional characters in a movie. Do better, be better.”
@zoe.caswell To those of you who have reached out concerned about Dillon, he is doing great and will be back soon! We are grateful for your support❤️ And to the “Browns” fans at the game on Sunday night, if you cheered at the start of the second half knowing he was hurt, there’s a special place in h*** for you. You should feel ashamed of yourselves. Players are real people, not fictional characters in a movie. Do better, be better.
One notable comment on the post came from Travis Hunter’s wife, Leanna Hunter.
“Travis and I are sending you and Dillon SO MUCH love. God has so many good things in store for both of yall,” she wrote.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Defends Dillon Gabriel
To be fair, it wasn’t immediately clear to those in the stadium that Gabriel had left the game because of an injury. He’s struggled this season and had thrown for just 68 yards in the first half before exiting. Still, the crowd let its frustration show, booing and even chanting for Sanders whenever Gabriel misfired on a pass.
Sanders was the recipient of loud cheers when he entered the game. But after the matchup, Sanders called on fans to support Gabriel when he’s running the offense.
“Well first let me say this. Dillon’s out there playing and all that, I appreciate the fans. I appreciate everybody, but I’m a good person overall, so I don’t really like him not feeling comfortable, confident when he gets out there,” Sanders said, referencing the boos. “So it puts everything in a tough spot and it’s not helping the team. So that could be taken as, ‘OK, I’m being a distraction even though I ain’t doing nothing,’ You know? I’m not doing nothing.
“But I’m thankful for the supporters, thankful for the fans, thankful for everybody out there that believes. And yeah, when I got out there, I definitely felt them, and I’m truly thankful for it. I’m thankful, seeing all them ’12’ jerseys out there, and it was a great feeling for that.”
Shedeur Sanders Likely to Start for Browns vs. Raiders
Gabriel’s status for Sunday is uncertain but it appears unlikely he’ll be cleared to play on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said it’s almost a certainty that Sanders will draw his first NFL start this week.
“Browns Shedeur Sanders is expected to start Sunday’s game in Las Vegas with Dillon Gabriel in the concussion protocol. Barring something unexpected, Sanders will make his starting debut, becoming the 42nd Browns starter since 1999,” Cabot wrote on X.
The Browns have yet to make an official announcement. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday he’d provide an update later in the week when more was known about Gabriel’s condition.
Sanders completed just 4-of-16 passes in his half of action against the Ravens for 47 yards with an interception.
