Jason Kelce sparks debate by saying NBA players are superior athletes to NFL stars on New Heights

When it comes to elite athleticism, both NFL and NBA athletes are often regarded as some of the best in the world. NFL players are known for their strength, speed, and ability to withstand physical collisions, while NBA players are celebrated for their agility, coordination, and stamina. Despite the distinct demands of each sport, the debate over which athletes are superior remains a hot topic. Recently, Jason Kelce added fuel to this discussion during an engaging episode of the New Heights podcast, where he and his brother Travis Kelce were joined by actor and passionate New York Knicks fan, Ben Stiller.

During the episode, the conversation turned toward the experience of watching an NBA game courtside — an opportunity that offers a unique and intimate view of the game’s intensity and the players' remarkable athleticism. Stiller described the feeling as “surreal” and unmatched, saying, "There's nothing better, right? So close."

Jason Kelce then shared a candid revelation about how witnessing NBA players up close gave him a new level of respect for their athleticism. "And that was my first time realizing, oh my god, these guys are like so much better athletes than football players," Jason admitted. "Like they are moving so fast on their feet. Yeah, it was just — and the size. Yeah. Like I think it's harder when you're brought back from it to really realize how big and athletic they are."
Kelce’s honesty might raise eyebrows among some of his NFL peers, but his acknowledgment highlights just how physically gifted NBA players are. The size, speed, and agility required to perform at the highest level in basketball often go unnoticed until viewed up close.
Jason further emphasized the difference by saying, "When you're on the court, it's like, 'Oh, that guy is high,’" underlining how the speed and height of NBA players are even more striking in person.
The discussion then shifted to one of basketball’s biggest icons — LeBron James. Stiller chimed in with admiration, saying, "I mean, even just seeing LeBron in person... I was watching the other night, I mean, he's just so big and he's so strong." LeBron’s combination of size, strength, and skill continues to leave even seasoned sports fans in awe.
One of the most entertaining moments of the episode came when Jason Kelce asked Stiller a difficult question: "Would you rather win an Academy Award or see the Knicks win the NBA Championship?"

Stiller’s response was quick and heartfelt: "I think the Knicks winning a championship is in the cards. So I'm definitely down for that." For a lifelong Knicks fan, the idea of seeing his team lift an NBA title clearly holds more weight than even Hollywood’s highest honor.
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Jason Kelce’s admission about NBA players’ athleticism sparked an honest and insightful conversation, blending the worlds of professional sports and entertainment. The lighthearted but genuine nature of the exchange made for another memorable episode of New Heights, reinforcing why the Kelce brothers’ podcast remains a fan favorite.