"That's not just a game, that's our lives": Kylie Kelce Shares the Dos and Don’ts of Being a Supportive Sports Wife During NFL Playoffs

The NFL playoffs are upon us, and for many households across the nation, this means a time of heightened emotions, fervent fandom, and perhaps a touch of domestic chaos. While the thrill of the game is undeniable, it can undoubtedly test the patience of even the most supportive partners. Kylie Kelce, wife of Jason Kelce, recently offered a humorous yet insightful guide for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the playoffs on the "Not Gonna Lie" podcast.

On the latest episode of Not Gonna Lie, Kylie Kelce shared her top tips on how to be a supportive partner during big game days, especially for those married into the "madness" of the NFL playoffs.
Kylie, a mom-of-three and a long-time sports fan, explained the importance of recognizing that "the team will dominate your partner's thoughts for a while." She highlighted that pregame and postgame discussions will take over the household, and this is something all sports spouses should be ready for. "They're going to need to be getting mentally ready for anything that could possibly unfold [during the game]," she said.
"And then they're gonna be watching highlights at 6 a.m. at full volume [afterward]."

Another piece of advice Kylie shared was not to "question our superstitions." She acknowledged that, while these rituals may seem irrational, they are important to many fans. "We know we're being irrational, but whatever gets us that [win], that's what we're doing," Kylie added. She also opened up about some of her own superstitions when watching Philadelphia Eagles games, including avoiding social media and steering clear of "talking smack" about their rival team, the Dallas Cowboys.
While celebrating victories is exhilarating, losses can bring a lot of emotional turmoil. Kylie emphasized the importance of allowing your partner time to grieve after a tough loss. "Never say 'It's just a game,'" she urged. She explained that for sports families, wins and losses are far more than just a game—they can dictate the mood in the household for days to come. "You know that this has the possibility of lifting up or tearing down our city as a whole. That's not just a game, that's our lives."
When it comes to game day, Kylie suggests spouses should be prepared to join in on the excitement, whether that means yelling at the TV or cursing at the refs. "Join in when they're yelling or cussing at the TV," she recommended, emphasizing that it’s all part of the experience. She also offered a practical tip: "Give people a fair warning" before attending a watch party. This means informing others about your partner’s intense sports reactions to avoid any uncomfortable surprises.
Lastly, Kylie encouraged spouses to take care of themselves during the playoffs. "If you're gonna be in a shared space with the spouse, you need to be there and you need to be supportive," she said. But if the intensity of the game day is too much, she suggested taking a break: "Treat yourself to something you'd rather be doing. Get out of the house."
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Jason Kelce's former team Eagles are hosting the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. The NFC championship will be the third time the Eagles and Commanders will meet this season. The teams split the series in the regular season.