NEWS
Jason Kelce apologizes over a comment about Louis Reese-Zammit and Rob McElhenney makes him an offer
Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney has taken steps to bridge cultural gaps by extending an invitation to retired NFL star Jason Kelce to learn more about Welsh culture. This gesture comes after Kelce made some misinformed comments about the people of Wales, prompting public backlash and necessitating an apology from the former Philadelphia Eagles player.
The curiosity surrounding Welsh culture arose when former Wales international rugby union star Louis Rees-Zammit transitioned to the Kansas City Chiefs, sparking interest from American football’s famous siblings, Jason and Travis Kelce. However, during a discussion on the topic, Jason Kelce’s remarks about the people of Wales stirred controversy and prompted him to retract his statements.
“When I think of Welsh, I think British people call it ‘posh’. I think of these rich, upper class, just beautiful white people,” Jason told their New Heights podcast.
“He is the running stereotype of what I would think of with a Welsh person, he continued about the ex-rugby ace. I don’t know if that’s an accurate stereotype but that’s certainly what I think of and he’s helping continue that trend in my mind.”
“I’m excited to see what this guy [Reese-Zammit ] does. I know it’s gonna be a learning curve, but I hope this guy takes the world by f****** storm. It will be electric. With a smile like that, this guy… if he works out, he’s gonna be the most marketable player of all time.”
Kelce’s apology
Jason was criticized for his comments about Welsh people and didn’t hesitate to issue an apology.
“Yea, I’ve come to understand, I was very incorrect on this,” he noted.
“Based on further assessment since these incorrect statements, not sure why I had these preconceptions in my mind, but I have found that the Welsh seem exactly like my kind of people. Happy to be incredibly wrong.”
Upon learning about Kelce’s apology and his interest in Welsh culture, McElhenney extended an invitation to personally educate Kelce about Wales.
“Yes, incredibly wrong,” McElhenney noted.
“I should show you around someday. I might know a few people. See for yourself.”