The Cincinnati Bearcats football program is preparing for an exciting start to their season, with three celebrated alumni from the National Football League confirmed to attend their home opener. Jason Kelce, Connor Barwin, and Brent Celek, all former University of Cincinnati standouts who went on to distinguished careers, particularly with the Philadelphia Eagles, will be present to cheer on their alma mater. This gathering of football royalty underscores the deep connection between the university and its successful athletic lineage, setting a vibrant tone for the upcoming game against Boston College on September 5th. Furthermore, these gridiron legends are slated for a prestigious honor later in the year, cementing their places in the university's history.
The news of these prominent figures' attendance at the season opener was shared by Jason Kelce himself during a recent installment of his popular 'New Heights' podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce, another former Bearcat star. Jason Kelce, Barwin, and Celek all boast significant careers in the NFL, with Kelce and Celek notably being members of the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LII championship squad. Barwin currently serves as an executive within the Eagles organization, while Celek contributes to their personnel department; both were involved in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory, highlighting their continued influence in professional football.
Beyond their presence at the initial game, Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin are scheduled for a significant recognition in October. On the 23rd, the eve of the UC versus Texas Tech game at Nippert Stadium, both will be formally inducted into the James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Fame. This esteemed class of inductees also includes the legendary former UC basketball coach, Bob Huggins. It's worth noting that while Barwin achieved great success at UC, his tenure on the field did not overlap with Huggins' coaching period, as he played under Andy Kennedy and Mick Cronin before his transition to the NFL.
Jason Kelce's collegiate journey saw him evolve from a walk-on player to a two-time Second Team All-Big East center under coach Brian Kelly. His exceptional performance at Cincinnati propelled him to become a sixth-round NFL draft pick by the Eagles. During his illustrious professional career, Kelce not only secured a Super Bowl LII ring but also earned six First Team Pro Bowl selections, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier centers.
Connor Barwin's collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati showcased his remarkable versatility. Initially recruited as a tight end by Mark Dantonio, he later transitioned to a defensive lineman under Brian Kelly. As a tight end, Barwin recorded 53 receptions for 692 yards and six touchdowns, with 31 catches in his junior year. His senior season marked a successful switch to defense, where he amassed 27 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. These impressive stats led to him being a second-round draft pick for the Houston Texans. His NFL career also included stints with the Eagles, Rams, and Giants. Today, as the Head of Football Development for the Philadelphia Eagles, Barwin remains an integral part of the team, having contributed to their Super Bowl 59 triumph.
Brent Celek, another prominent tight end, joined the Bearcats from La Salle High School during Mark Dantonio's tenure. He was a key player in Cincinnati's memorable 30-11 upset against the then-ranked No. 7 Rutgers, a victory that significantly elevated the program's national profile. During that pivotal game, Celek's 83-yard touchdown reception from Nick Davila was instrumental in giving UC a commanding 27-3 lead late in the third quarter. Throughout his time at UC, Celek accumulated 91 receptions for 1,135 yards and 14 touchdowns. His senior year in 2006 saw him catch 35 passes for 481 yards, paving the way for his selection by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. His professional career spanned from 2007 to 2017, where he amassed 398 receptions for 4,998 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns.
The Cincinnati Bearcats' much-anticipated game against Boston College is scheduled to commence at 3:30 p.m., with broadcast coverage available on Fox Sports and 102.7 WEBN. The presence of these NFL veterans promises to add an extra layer of excitement and celebration to an already significant event for the university and its passionate fanbase, honoring their enduring legacy and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
