The NFL world is reeling from heartbreaking news: Donna Kelce, the beloved mother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 72. Known affectionately by fans as “Mama Kelce,” Donna was far more than just a football mom. She was a national figure of warmth, humor, resilience, and unwavering support for her sons and the sport they love. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves across the league, leaving fans, players, and the sports community mourning the loss of a woman who transcended the sidelines to become an icon in her own right.

The Kelce family confirmed Donna’s passing early Thursday morning in a statement shared through their publicist. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Donna Kelce’s passing,” the statement read. “Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend whose love, strength, and light touched countless lives. We ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time and honor her memory.” The cause of death has not been disclosed, but sources close to the family indicated that her passing was unexpected and has left those nearest to her “devastated.”

Donna Kelce was not just a mother to two NFL stars—she was the beating heart of one of football’s most beloved families. A constant presence at games, interviews, and special events, Donna became a fan favorite across the league for her vibrant personality, candid humor, and unshakable pride in her sons. From the moment Travis and Jason entered the NFL, Donna made it her mission to be there for every milestone, often traveling thousands of miles in a single weekend to watch them both play—sometimes on opposite sides of the country.

Her passion for football and family made headlines during the 2023 Super Bowl, famously dubbed the “Kelce Bowl,” when Travis’s Chiefs faced Jason’s Eagles in an unprecedented brother-versus-brother matchup. Donna captured hearts around the world by showing up in a custom-made jersey split down the middle—half Chiefs red, half Eagles green—and enthusiastically cheering for both of her sons. “I’m the luckiest mom in the world,” she told reporters at the time. “No matter what happens, one of my boys is winning a Super Bowl today.”

That moment cemented her status as America’s favorite football mom and turned her into a household name beyond sports circles. Talk shows, morning programs, and major media outlets all clamored to interview Donna, who embraced the spotlight with the same grace and humor that defined her approach to motherhood. Yet despite the newfound attention, she remained grounded and focused on what mattered most: supporting her sons and celebrating the values she had instilled in them from childhood.

Jason Kelce, who retired earlier this year after a legendary 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles, often credited his mother with shaping his work ethic and character. “Everything I am is because of her,” Jason said in a 2023 interview. “She taught us to be tough, to care about people, and to never give up on ourselves. She was always there, no matter how hard things got.” Travis echoed that sentiment, calling his mother “the rock” of the family. “She’s the reason Jason and I are who we are,” he said. “She believed in us before anyone else did.”

Donna’s journey was one of resilience and determination. A single mother for much of her sons’ childhood, she worked multiple jobs to support Jason and Travis while nurturing their love for football and education. Friends and family describe her as fiercely independent, endlessly giving, and deeply proud of her sons—not just for their athletic achievements but for the men they became. “Donna never missed a chance to remind us that football is just a game,” said one family friend. “What mattered to her was kindness, loyalty, and family. That’s the legacy she leaves behind.”

The news of Donna’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the sports world. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement calling her “a remarkable woman whose love for her family inspired millions.” He added, “Donna Kelce embodied the very best of what makes the NFL community special. Her devotion to her sons, her joy for the game, and her connection with fans will never be forgotten.”

Teammates, coaches, and players from across the league also shared heartfelt messages. Patrick Mahomes, Travis’s teammate and quarterback for the Chiefs, wrote on social media: “Heartbroken to hear about Mama Kelce. She made everyone feel like family. Sending all my love to Trav, Jason, and the entire Kelce family.” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni echoed those sentiments, saying, “Donna was a fixture around our team and our community. She brought positivity and warmth everywhere she went. She will be deeply missed.”

Fans, too, have taken to social media to share their memories and condolences. Many recalled meeting Donna at games, tailgates, and charity events, describing her as approachable and genuine. Others shared photos of her iconic split jersey or memorable interviews, celebrating her spirit and humor. “She wasn’t just Jason and Travis’s mom—she was everyone’s football mom,” one fan wrote. “Sundays won’t be the same without her.”

The Kelce brothers themselves have yet to make extended public statements, though Jason briefly addressed fans through a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Our hearts are broken. We love you, Mom.” Travis shared a simple message on Instagram: “Forever my hero. I love you more than words.” Both are expected to speak more fully about their mother’s passing in the coming days, likely on their popular podcast, New Heights, where Donna frequently appeared as a guest.

Donna Kelce’s death also marks a profound moment for the NFL community, which had come to view her as a symbol of the family bonds that underpin the sport. In a league often defined by competition and intensity, Donna reminded fans and players alike of the deeper values at stake—love, sacrifice, and perseverance. Her story resonated far beyond football, inspiring single parents, mothers, and families everywhere.

Her involvement in charitable work further underscored her commitment to giving back. Donna was a passionate advocate for children’s education and community programs, often using her platform to raise awareness and funds for causes close to her heart. In 2023, she launched the “Mama Kelce Fund,” a charitable initiative supporting after-school programs and youth sports in underserved communities. “Football opened doors for my boys,” she said at the fund’s launch. “I want to help open doors for other kids, too.”

Donna’s influence extended even into pop culture. She made guest appearances on talk shows like Good Morning America and Today, where her down-to-earth personality and quick wit endeared her to audiences. She also became a beloved recurring guest on New Heights, where she often teased her sons, offered motherly advice, and provided heartfelt insights into their upbringing. Those episodes, which fans frequently rank among the show’s most memorable, now stand as poignant reminders of the bond she shared with Jason and Travis.

Her unexpected passing also leaves a significant void in the NFL’s current cultural landscape, where family narratives have increasingly become part of the league’s broader storytelling. The Kelce family’s story—rooted in perseverance, brotherhood, and maternal love—has captivated fans and humanized the often larger-than-life world of professional football. Donna was at the heart of that story, a reminder that behind every great athlete is a support system that makes their success possible.

As tributes pour in and the league prepares to honor Donna’s legacy, plans for memorials and celebrations of her life are already underway. Sources close to the Kelce family say a public memorial is being considered, allowing fans and members of the NFL community to pay their respects. “Donna meant so much to so many,” one family friend shared. “Her family wants to give people a chance to say goodbye and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.”

In the days ahead, the spotlight will undoubtedly shift to Jason and Travis as they navigate this profound loss while under public scrutiny. Jason, who recently announced his retirement, had spoken about looking forward to spending more time with his family and especially his mother. Travis, still an active player and one of the NFL’s brightest stars, faces the challenge of balancing personal grief with the demands of a grueling season. Both brothers have spoken openly about the central role their mother played in their lives, and both are expected to honor her memory in deeply personal ways.

Beyond the grief and shock, Donna Kelce’s passing has prompted broader reflection on the meaning of legacy—not just in sports, but in life. Hers was a legacy built not on fame or fortune but on love, sacrifice, and an unyielding belief in her children. It is a legacy that lives on in the men Jason and Travis have become and in the millions of fans she touched through her warmth and authenticity.

As the NFL community grieves this tremendous loss, one thing is certain: Donna Kelce’s impact will not fade with her passing. Her spirit lives on in every mother cheering from the stands, every family making sacrifices for their children’s dreams, and every fan who saw in her a reflection of what makes sports—and life—so deeply meaningful.

For years, Donna Kelce was a fixture in NFL stadiums, her bright smile and boundless energy lighting up sidelines from Philadelphia to Kansas City. Today, those stadiums feel a little emptier, the cheers a little softer. But the love and legacy she leaves behind will echo for generations, reminding us all of the power of a mother’s love and the enduring bonds of family.