Jason Kelce has fully embraced golf since retiring from the NFL, but admits one lingering issue is making the transition harder than expected.
The former Philadelphia Eagles center says 13 years in professional football have left him with weak ankles.
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As the new golf season approaches, Kelce revealed that traditional footwear is not providing the support he needs.
While he has fallen in love with the game, he believes his body is not built for standard golf shoes.
Instead of simply managing the discomfort, Kelce decided to experiment with a bold alternative.
Jason Kelce says weak ankles are impacting his golf game
Kelce explained that years in the NFL have taken their toll on his body.
“I’ve fallen in love with golf, and the season is getting ready to get revved up again,” he tweeted.
“One thing I have struggled with is my weak ankles. Years of NFL games have destroyed my ankles.”
He believes standard golf shoes do not offer enough stability after that kind of wear and tear.
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“I don’t know that I’m cut out for just golf shoes,” Kelce added. “I think I need golf BOOTS!”
For Kelce, the issue is not about power or distance. It is about support and durability over 18 holes.
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images
Jason Kelce turns to cobbler to test unconventional footwear idea
Kelce turned to someone he has trusted for years. Dom the Cobbler in South Philadelphia helped maintain his cleats throughout his NFL career.
When Nike discontinued a model he preferred, Dom sourced pairs from other locker rooms and rebuilt worn soles.
“If he can rebuild NFL cleats, he can put golf spikes on the bottom of a boot, right?” Kelce said.
They modified nine different pairs, including Timberlands, hiking boots, dress boots, and even wrestling boots. Kelce then tested the footwear at McCall Golf Club in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
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Some pairs impressed, while others struggled badly, with one even earning a negative score.
Kelce concluded that while golf boots are not yet common, perhaps they should be.
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