Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce were impressed — and a little intimidated — by their mom Donna Kelce’s appearance on “The Traitors.” The brothers discussed Donna’s short-lived run on the Peacock reality competition series during the Wednesday, January 14 episode of their podcast, “New Heights.” While Donna did not last long in the game, Jason and Travis agreed she played stronger than they expected, especially given how difficult it can be for a recognizable public figure to blend into a cast of reality stars and competitors.
Donna made franchise history on “The Traitors” as the show’s first-ever “secret Traitor.” Her time on the show ended when she was banished after a roundtable vote in episode 3, confirming she had been working as a Traitor.
Jason & Travis Kelce React to Donna’s ‘The Traitors’ Performance
Jason said he thought Donna handled the environment well — even if her time ended early.
“I thought she did fantastic,” Jason, 38, said. “Like, I know she was eliminated, but I think it’s really hard to go into those shows as, like, an outsider that you become, like, an easy target to try and maneuver in that show.”
Jason added that watching his mother play strategically surprised him.
“I loved watching her in it. She was way more deceitful and devious than I thought Mom could ever be, which was surprising,” he said.
Travis, 36, agreed and said Donna did not back down during the show’s most high-stakes moments.
“She stood her ground at the round table,” Travis said.
Travis added that seeing Donna enjoy the experience made it even more meaningful.
“I was so proud of her, man,” he continued. “She looked like she was having a blast, enjoying it all… it was just so cool to see her in this moment.”
Travis also pointed out that Donna made “Traitors” history as the first “secret Traitor,” which became a major moment on the series.
Donna Kelce’s Emotional Exit & Travis’ Shoutout to Ron Funches
Donna’s “The Traitors” run ended after the roundtable vote in episode 3. After she was banished, she confirmed her role and reflected on how hard it was to play on the opposite side of the Faithfuls.
“Playing a Traitor was tough, but I gave it my best shot,” Donna said after being voted out.
She also became emotional while describing what the experience meant to her.
“This has been a dream come true,” she said through tears. “These are happy tears that I get to do this at this point in my life. It’s just the joy of being in the game.”
On “New Heights,” Travis said he appreciated how Donna handled the opportunity and what she represented to viewers.
He said he was particularly proud of Donna for “giving the world a beautiful message” with her appearance about “being fortunate enough to do these things at her age and where she is in life.”
Travis also thanked comedian and actor Ron Funches for supporting Donna during the game. He said he appreciated that Funches “stuck by her and [was] being kind to her,” while also acknowledging that Funches “probably felt a certain way” after learning she had secretly been a Traitor.
Kylie Kelce Says Donna Stayed Quiet About ‘The Traitors’ Trip
Donna’s “Traitors” run also became a talking point within the wider Kelce family. Travis’s sister-in-law, Kylie Kelce, spoke with People about Donna keeping quiet before the episodes aired, despite the excitement around the show.
“She did not tell us much at all, which I respect, I respect,” Kylie, 33, said. “You’ve got to keep the mystery alive,” she added with a joke.
Kylie said she had not watched Donna’s episodes yet, because she wanted to do it when she could focus and enjoy the moment.
“I’m waiting until I can get home and give it my undivided attention, but I’m so excited.”
She added that Donna keeping details private only made her anticipation stronger.
“And Donna sharing little about the show has only built up the anticipation to be able to watch it,” Kylie said. “So I am 100% on board with her keeping everything a secret, even though I would have loved to have some inside scoop, but I’m so excited to watch it.”
“I love cheering her on,” she added.
Travis Kelce Calls Donna Kelce ‘Deceitful & Devious’ After Her ‘Traitors’ Reveal