5 Reasons Why The Jason Kelce Funko Pop Is The Hottest NFL Collectible Of 2024
The Jason Kelce Funko Pop! figure has quickly cemented its status as one of the most sought-after sports collectibles of the year, a phenomenon driven by his legendary career and an unforgettable viral moment. Released in two distinct versions—a standard icon and a highly-coveted limited-edition variant—the demand for this vinyl figure skyrocketed following his emotional retirement announcement in March 2024, transforming a simple toy into a piece of NFL history.
The timing of the Funko release, coinciding with the peak of his final season and his brother Travis Kelce’s continued fame, created a perfect storm of collector frenzy. For fans of the Philadelphia Eagles and the beloved center, owning the Jason Kelce Funko Pop is not just about collecting; it’s about commemorating the end of an era for one of the most charismatic and dominant offensive linemen in the game.
Jason Kelce: Full Biography and Career Profile
Jason Daniel Kelce is an American former professional football center who played his entire 13-season career for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his fiery passion, charismatic personality, and exceptional athleticism, Kelce became a cornerstone of the Eagles franchise and a fan favorite across the league.
- Full Name: Jason Daniel Kelce
- Born: November 5, 1987, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio
- High School: Cleveland Heights High School
- College: University of Cincinnati (Played both running back and defensive line before converting to center)
- NFL Draft: Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
- Career Span: 2011–2023 (13 Seasons)
- Position: Center
- Wife: Kylie McDevitt Kelce
- Career Highlights & Awards:
- Super Bowl Champion (LII)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
- 6× First-team All-Pro selection (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Recipient of the Bart Starr Award (2024)
- Member of the Eagles’ 2010s All-Decade Team
- Retirement: Announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, March 4, 2024, in an emotional press conference at the NovaCare Complex.
The Iconic Shirtless Jason Kelce Funko Pop! Variant
The most talked-about version of the collectible is the limited-edition "Shirtless Jason Kelce Funko Pop!" This figure immortalizes one of the most viral and memorable moments of the 2023–2024 NFL season: Kelce’s wild celebration during the AFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills in January 2024.
During the game, after his brother, Travis Kelce, scored a touchdown, Jason Kelce famously ripped off his shirt and yelled in celebration, leaping from the suite into the stands. The image of the burly center with his face red from the cold, a championship-level beard, and a can in his hand immediately became an internet sensation and a symbol of brotherly pride and raw passion.
Limited Edition and Design Details
Funko quickly capitalized on the moment, announcing a special edition Pop! figure. This collectible is part of the Pop! Icons line and features Kelce in the exact pose, shirtless, yelling, and holding a nondescript can, capturing the intensity of the moment. It was made available for a very limited pre-order window, which closed on February 5, 2024, making it a highly sought-after Funko Shop Special Edition.
Because of its limited release and the cultural significance of the moment it represents, the "Shirtless Kelce" Pop! is expected to command a significant premium on the secondary market, much like other rare Funko Pop! collectibles. Collectors who managed to pre-order this variant hold a true piece of sports memorabilia.
The Standard Jason Kelce #82 Funko Pop! Icon
While the shirtless version garners the most headlines, the standard Jason Kelce Funko Pop! figure is an essential piece for any Philadelphia Eagles or NFL collector. This version, officially designated as Funko POP Icons #82, was released on January 1, 2024.
The standard Pop! figure typically features Kelce in his full Philadelphia Eagles uniform, likely in a dynamic center’s pose, celebrating his incredible 13-year tenure with the team. This figure is a tribute to his consistent excellence, which earned him multiple Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro selections, solidifying his status as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
The Kelce Family and Funko Collectibles Market
The demand for the Jason Kelce Pop! is intrinsically linked to the broader "Kelce Mania" that has swept the nation. The popular New Heights podcast, which he hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce, has significantly boosted his public profile, turning him into a mainstream celebrity far beyond the NFL.
Furthermore, the connection to his brother, Travis Kelce, and the attention drawn by Travis’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, has created a massive crossover audience of sports fans and pop culture enthusiasts. Collectibles featuring the Kelce brothers are currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand, with the Travis Kelce Funko Pop! also becoming one of the most valuable NFL figures.
The availability of a "Kelce Family Lot Funko Pop! Vinyl" which includes both Jason Kelce #82 and Travis Kelce figures, highlights the market's interest in collecting the entire set of these iconic NFL siblings. The combined appeal of the two brothers—one a retiring legend and the other a Super Bowl champion in the spotlight—ensures that the Jason Kelce Funko Pop! will remain a highly sought-after item for years to come.
Where to Buy the Jason Kelce Funko Pop! in 2024
Since the initial release and the limited pre-order window for the shirtless variant have passed, collectors need to know the best ways to secure these valuable pieces.
Standard Jason Kelce Funko Pop! (#82):
- Major Retailers: Check large online and brick-and-mortar retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, as this is a general release in the Pop! Icons series.
- Specialty Collectible Shops: Local comic book stores and dedicated online collectible websites often carry the standard releases.
Shirtless Jason Kelce Funko Pop! (Limited Edition):
- Secondary Market: Due to its status as a limited-time pre-order and Funko Shop Special Edition, the primary source for this variant is now the secondary market.
- eBay and Collector Sites: Websites like eBay, PriceCharting, and specialized collector marketplaces are the best places to find the "Shirtless Kelce" Pop! Be prepared to pay a premium over the original retail price, as demand is extremely high following his retirement.
- Authentication: Always ensure you purchase from reputable sellers, especially when acquiring a high-demand, limited-edition collectible to avoid counterfeit items. Look for listings that include a Pop Protector for better condition.
Whether you're an Eagles fanatic, a dedicated Funko Pop! collector, or a fan of the Kelce brothers' pop culture dominance, the Jason Kelce Funko Pop! is a definitive piece of modern sports history. Its value is only set to appreciate as the center’s legacy as an NFL legend continues to grow.
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