NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce have faced countless intimidating opponents on the football field, but even they probably didn’t expect to find themselves squaring off with a wild bear during a peaceful round of golf. Yet that’s exactly what happened this weekend when the Kelce brothers, both known for their larger-than-life personalities and competitive spirit, were startled by an unexpected furry visitor while participating in a charity golf tournament.
The Kelce brothers, who have become household names thanks to their football success and off-field charisma — highlighted by their hit podcast New Heights — were part of a celebrity golf event designed to raise money for youth sports programs. The tournament, held at a prestigious mountain resort course known for its breathtaking views and proximity to wildlife, had already attracted headlines thanks to the star power on display. But no one could have predicted that the day’s most memorable moment wouldn’t come from a miraculous putt or a jaw-dropping drive, but rather from Mother Nature herself.
According to witnesses, Jason, the elder Kelce and recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center, and Travis, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, were lining up their shots on the back nine when a medium-sized black bear wandered onto the fairway. The bear, likely drawn by the smell of food or simple curiosity, emerged from a nearby patch of trees and began sniffing around golf bags and coolers, sending a wave of nervous laughter — and a fair bit of genuine fear — through players and spectators alike.
Video clips quickly surfaced online, showing the Kelce brothers reacting with a mix of surprise and good humor. In one widely shared clip, Travis can be seen backing away slowly while keeping an eye on the bear, joking to onlookers, “You don’t want to stiff-arm that guy!” Jason, meanwhile, reportedly shouted for someone to “keep the snacks locked up!” — a reminder that even seasoned professionals aren’t immune to an adrenaline spike when a wild animal gets too close for comfort.
Tournament organizers quickly called in the local course marshals, who calmly ushered the bear back toward the woods using vehicles and loud noises. No one was hurt, and the bear ambled off without incident — but the encounter was enough to rattle a few nerves. For the Kelces, however, the momentary wildlife scare wasn’t enough to derail their focus or competitive edge.
After the brief delay, both brothers returned to their game with trademark intensity. True to form, the Kelces turned the bear incident into another memorable piece of their ever-growing folklore. By all accounts, they cracked jokes about it for the rest of the day, with Travis telling one reporter that he planned to name his next golf club “The Bear Repellent.” Jason, never short on humor himself, quipped that facing a hungry defensive lineman in the NFL is one thing — but a hungry bear is another matter entirely.
Despite the unexpected visitor, the Kelces went on to finish strong in the tournament, drawing praise not just for their play but for their unwavering focus and willingness to laugh off the incident. Their team even managed to place among the event’s top finishers, raising significant money for the youth sports charity. The bear, meanwhile, became the unofficial mascot of the day, inspiring a flurry of bear-themed jokes and memes on social media.
For fans of the Kelce brothers, the bear encounter is just another example of why these two remain so beloved. On the field, they’re fierce, committed, and supremely talented. Off the field, they’re relatable, quick-witted, and unflappable — even when faced with a black bear sniffing at their golf bags. Their reaction demonstrated the same composure and teamwork that made them NFL legends.
The episode also highlights the unpredictable charm — and occasional danger — of playing golf in more remote, nature-rich settings. Wildlife encounters on golf courses are not unheard of, especially in areas where forests and fairways intertwine. From alligators on Florida greens to moose in Alaska, golfers often share their space with the local fauna. But for a pair of NFL superstars, this bear will likely go down as one of the most unexpected “opponents” they’ve ever faced.
By the time the tournament wrapped up, the Kelce brothers had turned what could have been a frightening moment into yet another story to share with their massive fan base. Their quick wit and calm reaction only added to their reputations as guys who can handle just about anything thrown their way — be it a Super Bowl-level pass rush or a curious bear on the back nine.
For the fans and fellow players who witnessed it, the incident was a reminder that no matter how big or tough you are, nature always holds the trump card. But if you’re a Kelce brother, not even a bear can make you lose your focus — or
your sense of humor.
