Travis and Jason Kelce expressed astonishment and admiration after watching their mother Donna Kelce’s ‘fantastic’ performance on Season 4 of Peacock’s reality competition ‘The Traitors,’ which they discussed on their ‘New Heights’ podcast. The brothers, both NFL stars, were taken aback by Donna’s deceitful and devious gameplay, a side of her they had never seen before, highlighting her role as the ‘Secret Traitor’ in the show.
During the podcast episode released on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Jason Kelce, 38, joked that their 73-year-old mother was ‘way more deceitful and devious than’ they had ever witnessed. Travis Kelce, 36, echoed the sentiment, expressing immense pride in Donna’s ability to stand her ground and enjoy the experience. Their comments came after the first batch of episodes dropped on January 8, where Donna was revealed as the Secret Traitor and subsequently became the fourth cast member to leave Ardross Castle in Scotland, alongside other contestants like Rob Cesternino and Porsha Williams.
Donna Kelce’s participation in ‘The Traitors’ had been announced in June 2025, and at the time, Jason expressed skepticism about her suitability for the cutthroat game, telling ‘Entertainment Tonight’ that she was ‘too sweet and kind’ to compete. However, her performance proved him wrong, as she embraced the strategic elements with gusto. Travis noted that Donna ‘looked like she was having a blast’ onscreen, and he appreciated seeing her ‘living out her dream’ and delivering a positive message about pursuing opportunities at her age.
The brothers also shared amusing anecdotes, such as Donna’s pre-show quip about not wanting to encounter her sons’ ‘adversaries,’ which she clarified could include past girlfriends. This light-hearted moment added to the family’s humorous dynamic. Travis gave a shoutout to fellow contestant Ron Funches for being kind to Donna, though he joked that Funches might have felt betrayed upon learning her secret role.
Jason reflected on Donna being an ‘easy target’ due to her perceived innocence but praised her for doing a ‘great job’ and making the most of the experience. The ESPN analyst admitted that he ‘loved watching her’ compete, despite his initial doubts. The show’s format, which involves deception and alliance-building, allowed Donna to showcase a hidden competitive streak that surprised both her sons and viewers.
The event underscores the growing crossover between sports celebrities and reality TV, with the Kelce family’s involvement drawing significant attention. ‘The Traitors’ Season 4 continues to air, and Donna’s early exit has sparked conversations about family support and aging in entertainment. The brothers’ candid discussion on their popular podcast further amplifies the story, blending personal pride with public entertainment.
In summary, Donna Kelce’s stint on ‘The Traitors’ served as a surprising and heartwarming moment for the Kelce family, with Travis and Jason celebrating her performance while acknowledging their own misconceptions. As the season progresses, fans are left anticipating more reactions from the brothers and reflecting on the broader themes of identity and opportunity in reality television.
