Jason Kelce Named Ole Smoky’s Team Captain for 2025 Tailgating Season

Ole Smoky Distillery, America’s most awarded moonshine and flavored whiskey brand and the nation’s top destination distillery, has named national football icon Jason Kelce as the official Team Captain for its 2025 tailgating season. As the football world gears up for another year of fall celebrations, Kelce, beloved for his blue-collar grit and joyful approach to game day, teams up with Ole Smoky to encourage fans nationwide to “tailgate like a champ,” all as part of the brand’s spirited C’mon Raise The Jar campaign.

Kelce Returns as Team Captain: Tailgating Traditions, Elevated

This marks Jason Kelce’s second year leading Ole Smoky’s tailgating festivities as Team Captain, after his legendary NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Retired from the league after 13 celebrated seasons, seven Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl title, Kelce now inspires the same energy, unity, and fun off the field that made him a hero on it. The “C’mon Raise The Jar” campaign leverages Kelce’s authentic connection with football fans and partygoers, positioning him not just as a spokesperson but as a hands-on ambassador and investor in the brand.

“Tailgate Like a Champ” Sweepstakes: Win the Ultimate Kelce-Approved Kit

As part of the seasonal campaign, Ole Smoky is running the “Tailgate Like a Champ” sweepstakes from September 2 through November 30, 2025. Five lucky fans will win a Jason Kelce-curated Tailgate Kit, carefully assembled with exclusive gear and personal recommendations from Kelce himself. These prize packs make every game day ritual more effortless, relaxed, and full of memorable moments, mirroring Kelce’s own approach to football and fandom.

Kelce’s Top Game Day Tips

The campaign amplifies Jason Kelce’s essential tailgating tips, helping fans across the country create their own next-level experience:

• Set the Scene: Transform any parking lot into a party—bring tents, chairs, loaded coolers, and show team spirit with flags and decor.

• BBQ is King: Go all-out with burgers, brats, ribs, wings, and prep marinades and extras the night before for stress-free flavor on game day.

• Stock the Cooler: Classic drinks are essential, but level up with Ole Smoky Moonshine—keep every sip ice-cold and pack the coolest pregame punch.

• Games Matter: Cornhole, lawn pong, and tossing the football are non-negotiable. Don’t forget the Bluetooth speaker for team chants, playlist energy, and hype.

• Themed Gear: Whether it’s team tees, branded blankets, or stadium must-haves, be sure to rep your pride and stay comfy.

C’mon Raise The Jar: Mixing Cocktails and Tailgate Memories

According to Stephanie Moraine, Ole Smoky’s marketing director, Kelce’s favorite tailgate cocktail is the Blackberry Lemonade, an easy two-ingredient hit that blends Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine with classic lemonade. For those looking for a lighter sip, club soda makes a cool, refreshing twist to last an entire afternoon. Fans can find more creative cocktail ideas, including Apple Ginger Tailgate, Gameday Punch, and Blackberry Kickoff Lemonade, on the campaign website or at one of the brand’s acclaimed distillery locations and partner bars around the country.

Kelce’s Impact: More Than A Brand Ambassador

Jason Kelce goes beyond a traditional brand partner; he’s an actual Ole Smoky investor. Since retirement, Kelce has dedicated himself to community initiatives, business partnerships, and supporting products he genuinely enjoys, symbolizing a new era of athlete-led brand growth and storytelling. His direct involvement in campaign strategy, advertising, and public engagement makes “Tailgate Like a Champ” feel uniquely authentic and heartfelt.

“As I enter my second year as Ole Smoky’s official team captain, I’m proud to continue this incredible partnership,” adds Kelce. “In 2025, we’re taking things to the next level, bringing the same energy, camaraderie, and good times all while spotlighting Ole Smoky’s creative and delicious products”.

Robert Hall, CEO of Ole Smoky Distillery, echoes that genuineness:

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Jason Kelce, who truly embodies hard work, determination, and authenticity. Jason’s partnership and personality are the perfect match for our brand values as we celebrate tradition, flavor, and the spirit of tailgating across the U.S.”.

The Ole Smoky Brand: Heritage Meets Innovation

Founded in 2010 following the legalization of moonshine distillation in Tennessee, Ole Smoky has grown rapidly, now employing more than 600 people and welcoming five million visitors annually across four distilleries. The company’s iconic mason jars and expanding range of moonshine and whiskeys, paired with creative campaigns and a growing legion of loyal “jar raisers,” keep the brand at the heart of every tailgate and American celebration.