UPDATE: Funko has launched a preorder for shirtless Jason Kelce Pop! after his viral moment at Highmark Stadium.
MORE: Funko launches preorder for shirtless Jason Kelce Pop! after viral moment at Highmark Stadium
ORIGINAL: After he went viral for being shirtless and drinking a beer at Highmark Stadium during the Buffalo Bills/Kansas City Chiefs matchup, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has partnered with Funko Pop to give back to the City of Good Neighbors!
Funko Pop Hunters took to social media on Wednesday to announce the collaboration, saying, "Jason Kelce confirms on his podcast New Heights that he will be teaming up with Funko to make a shirt that will benefit the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo."
On the New Heights podcast, Jason and Travis Kelce began talking about the picture of a possible Funko Pop! of Jason posted by Funko on social media.
Do you feel this electric atmosphere? How would you react if we released this Pop! Jason Kelce... @JasonKelce @newheightshow #NFL #NFLPlayoffs #JasonKelce #Funko #FunkoPop pic.twitter.com/7qBfyw7RkS
— Funko (@OriginalFunko) January 28, 2024
"I talked to Funko Pop and they agreed to do a charitable thing. It feels weird...Having this whole situation because it was just something that kind of happened organically, it feels weird to have shirts and everything made...But I feel like the way that it makes sense is we have agreed with Funko Pop and we're going to be releasing a shirt later in the week where portions of the proceeds will go to the Patricia Allen Fund at Oishei Children's Hospital out of Buffalo because I think you gotta repay the people that put me in this spot...
That was the situation that happened because of what they did to me, what we did to each other... I get it, it was a little bit outlandish, I don't know why it happened, it just felt right. I don't know, that's all that I can say, it just felt like the right thing to do... So we're going to pay back to the people that caused this."
Dr. Stephen Turkovich, president of Oishei Children's Hospital, released the following statement:
"On behalf of all of us at Oishei Children's Hospital we are so grateful to learn that Jason Kelce chose to support our team and the kids we care for through the Patricia Allen Fund. This is a true testament to the spirit of Bills Mafia, who originated the Patricia Allen Fund through their giving nature, inspiring others to do the same. It is because of them, and all who have joined them to support the Patricia Allen Fund, that we can recruit highly specialized talented caregivers and provide the tools, equipment, and innovative care to kids who need it. We welcome Jason as another member of the 50,000 plus who have supported the Patricia Allen Fund over the last few years. We are hoping to connect with Jason to thank him formally."
In October 2021 Oishei unveiled a wing at the hospital honoring Patricia Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen's grandmother.
The "Patricia Allen Pediatric Recovery Wing" was announced by Oishei in November 2020 after Bills fans donated nearly $700,000 to the hospital in honor of Patricia following her death. Due to the outpouring of donations, Oishei also announced the creation of the "Patricia Allen Fund" and just before the end of 2020 the fund surpassed $1 million in donations. The fund provides ongoing support to the pediatric critical care team at the hospital.
Allen has long been a supporter of Oishei Children's Hospital and has a partnership with the hospital.
