Jason Kelce Responds to Laila Edwards’ ‘Best Athlete’ Claim After Gold Win
Jason Kelce recently shared his thoughts on Laila Edwards’ claim of being the “best athlete to come out of Cleveland Heights.” This assertion follows Edwards’ historic achievement as the first Black woman to win a gold medal in ice hockey for Team USA during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Laila Edwards’ Historic Olympic Win
Laila Edwards made history on February 19, 2026, claiming gold for Team USA at the Olympic Games. During a guest appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast, “Not Gonna Lie,” she introduced herself with a lighthearted declaration of her athletic prowess.
“Hi, I’m Laila Edwards — not gonna lie, I’m the best athlete to come out of Cleveland Heights,” she stated, eliciting a playful response from Jason Kelce, who chimed in with a supportive, “No objection!” Both athletes share roots in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a suburb with a population of approximately 45,000.
Support from the Kelce Brothers
The Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, celebrated Edwards’ groundbreaking accomplishments in their podcast “New Heights.” The three athletes were recognized publicly in November 2023, when Edwards made her debut on the national ice hockey team. After this, Edwards reached out to thank the brothers for their acknowledgment, and they engaged in a friendly conversation over direct message.
- Edwards’ Historic Win: First Black woman to win Olympic gold in ice hockey for Team USA.
- Date of Win: February 19, 2026.
- Shared Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
- Population of Cleveland Heights: Approximately 45,000.
Community Support
In preparation for her Olympic journey, Edwards’ family organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel expenses. The Kelce brothers contributed financially to ensure her family could be present at her Olympic debut.
After the Olympic events began, Jason and his wife, Kylie, were spotted supporting Edwards during a semifinal game, showcasing their commitment to her success.
Laila Edwards praised Jason and Travis, noting, “They’re really good people, too, outside of their athletic abilities.” Their ongoing support exemplifies the strong sense of community shared among talented athletes from Cleveland Heights.
