STWF Sports|Nov. 10, 2025 – Emotions ran high on Monday Night Football as ESPN analyst Jason Kelce delivered a deeply moving Veterans Day tribute that left him fighting back tears. Before kickoff between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce took time to honor Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, a Vietnam War hero and the grandfather of former Eagles teammate Tyler Steen.

The segment aired ahead of a game that marked a 16-year ratings low for ESPN, yet Kelce’s heartfelt moment cut through the numbers and resonated across the sports world.

A Hero Remembered

Sgt. Davis, a U.S. Marine, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1967 after sacrificing his life to save fellow soldiers during a fierce firefight in Vietnam. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench where his men were pinned down, Davis jumped onto it, absorbing the explosion and saving five others.

Kelce, his voice breaking with emotion, described the unimaginable courage that defined Davis’ final moments.

“He saved five other soldiers on that day,” Kelce said. “Those soldiers went on to have kids. Probably 50 people are alive today because of that decision. He did that, leaving behind a two-year-old little girl.”

Kelce paused as tears welled in his eyes before continuing.

“As Veterans Day approaches, it’s a reminder of the sacrifice that so many people make every day so we can sit at this desk and enjoy this game. It’s truly a remarkable story about a very selfless man. Tyler Steen gets to honor him and his entire family tonight. It’s a testament to their whole family.”

Legacy of Courage and Family

Sgt. Davis’s heroism has long been celebrated by the military and the U.S. government. In awarding him the Medal of Honor, President Richard Nixon described his act as “a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice.”

“Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire,” Nixon’s statement read, “Sergeant Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them, firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sergeant Davis… instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his own body the full and terrific force of the explosion.”

Davis left behind his wife, Judy, and two young daughters, Nichola and Samantha Davis-Steen. His daughter Samantha later became the mother of Tyler Steen, now an offensive lineman for the Eagles.

From Loss to Pride

In a 2022 ESPN interview, Samantha reflected on her father’s legacy and the emotions that come with being his daughter.

“As a kid, I thought, ‘Why my dad? Why did he have to do that?’” she said. “But then I thought, My gosh, how brave. How incredible it was that he would do such a thing to save others. I felt pride because he did it.

“There were a whole lot of feelings because he was my dad, and I never got to meet him and know him. I felt a loss, but at the same time, I felt what he did was incredible. I always wanted him there with me, but I couldn’t have that.”

Kelce’s Connection and the Power of Sports

For Kelce, who spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles before transitioning into broadcasting, the story carried personal weight. Steen was his teammate for one season before Kelce’s retirement earlier this year.

Known for his toughness on the field and charisma off it, Kelce’s raw emotion on-air reminded viewers that sports have long been intertwined with stories of service and sacrifice.

As the NFL honored veterans nationwide this weekend, Kelce’s tribute stood out — not for its production value, but for its sincerity. It was a moment where football faded into the background, allowing the story of one man’s bravery to take center stage.

A Veteran’s Day Reminder

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11, honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. For millions of Americans watching, Kelce’s emotional salute served as a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the holiday.

In a sport built on strength and sacrifice, Jason Kelce’s tears reflected something deeper — a respect for those whose courage transcends the game itself.