Jason Kelce Swaps the Gridiron for Grassroots Rugby in England
Former NFL star offensive lineman Jason Kelce recently ventured across the Atlantic to experience the physical rigors of English rugby union, leaving a lasting impression on grassroots players. Kelce, who spent his professional American football career playing centerâsnapping the ball and executing protection schemes on every downâhad to swiftly recalibrate his instincts to adapt to a sport without pads or forward passes. Facing off against local competitors, Kelce joined an opposing side alongside another former NFL player for a community clash that caught opponents entirely by surprise.
Hackney prop Dave Lewis recounted to BBC Sport the initial shock of hearing about the high-profile additions to their rivals’ matchday squad. We got a message from our club captain saying our local rivals were coming down with two ex-NFL players, but we didn’t know anything else about it,
Lewis said. As the contest got underway, the stark differences between American football and rugby quickly became evident, particularly when it came to officiating around open play and set pieces.
Adapting to the Ruck and Matching Physicality
Unsurprisingly, the technical rules governing the breakdown proved to be an initial hurdle for the Super Bowl champion. With the rules, he got there. At the very start, he sort of went round the back of a ruck and picked the ball up, which he obviously was then penalised for,
Lewis explained. Despite the early whistle against him, Kelce embraced the full-contact nature of the game without hesitation, even exchanging highlight-reel moments with the Hackney prop during the run of play.
Lewis recalled a personal triumph against the retired Philadelphia Eagles stalwart, as well as Kelce’s immediate retaliation on the pitch. I handed him off at one point and put him on his back in front of his team-mates and all of our fans as well. I hope they release that footage because I’ll be dining out on it forever if they do,
Lewis noted. He just got back up and absolutely smashed me later on when he had the ball, running through me. So, I don’t think he has an ego. I think he’s just up for the physicality of it all.
Finding a Natural Fit at Number 8
Kelce was deployed in the forward pack at number 8, a position traditionally reserved for dynamic, powerful ball carriers who bind at the back of the scrum. Lewis’ Hackney teammate Scott praised how rapidly Kelce adjusted to the demands of the forward pack. He’s a pretty intimidating figure,
Scott added. Very broad shoulders, powerful legs. They were using him as a number 8, which, I think, is the perfect position for him.
While the finer nuances of rugby set pieces presented a minor learning curve, Scott emphasized that Kelce’s athletic baseline and direct approach translated effectively onto the field. There were a few intricacies, like how he was carrying the ball and where he was in the scrum, but he clearly knew what he was. He didn’t look out of place at all,
Scott observed. In rugby you are taught to tackle at an angle, and go at people’s shoulders. He was a lot more front on, like ‘OK, route one, I’m just gonna go straight at anyone that came out’.
Why This Matters
The crossover between American football and rugby union has long generated debate among sports fans regarding how elite physical traits transfer between the two codes. Former offensive linemen are renowned for exceptional leverage, lateral agility, and explosive power, yet rugby demands aerobic endurance, continuous play, and distinct tackling fundamentals. Kelce’s willingness to engage in grassroots English club rugby underscores the mutual respect between the disciplines and demonstrates how elite athletes from contact sports navigate entirely different rule sets and tackling cultures in competitive environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position did Jason Kelce play in the rugby match?
Kelce was fielded as a number 8, a back-row forward position positioned at the rear of the scrum, which plays a pivotal role in securing possession and initiating powerful runs off the back of set pieces.
What rules did Jason Kelce struggle with during the game?
According to opponent Dave Lewis, Kelce initially struggled with breakdown laws, notably receiving a penalty early on after he looped around the back of a ruck to pick up the ball without properly entering through the gate.
How did players describe Kelce’s tackling and running technique?
Hackney player Scott observed that while traditional rugby coaching teaches athletes to target shoulders and tackle at an angle, Kelce used a direct, front-on approach, charging straight ahead through defenders on both sides of the ball.
