Jason Kelce, the celebrated former center for the Philadelphia Eagles and current NFL analyst, recently addressed a widespread misconception circulating on social media. A viral post had labeled certain sideline staff as “waterboys,” implying they performed low-skill, high-pay tasks – a characterization Kelce was quick to challenge.
Known for his candid nature and deep connection with the Eagles, Kelce made it clear that such labels are both misleading and disrespectful.
The controversy arose from a post by NFL insider Dov Kleiman, which featured a photo of an Eagles staffer squirting water into a player’s mouth during a game. The post suggested that “NFL waterboys” enjoyed enviable roles close to the action while receiving high salaries.
Kelce responded by clarifying that the man in the photo wasn’t a mere waterboy, but Joe O’Pella, a seasoned athletic trainer with over 15 years of experience in the league.
Kelce highlighted that athletic trainers perform critical responsibilities far beyond handing out water. Their duties include injury prevention, rehabilitation, and ensuring players remain healthy throughout the long and physically demanding NFL season.
O’Pella’s credentials further dismantle the simplistic “waterboy” label – he holds a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has played a key role in keeping numerous Eagles players on the field. At one point, he even helped rehabilitate Kelce after a severe knee injury early in the center’s career.
“A guy who rehabbed my ACL tear in my second year, has a master’s degree from Pitt, and has years of experience keeping Eagles players healthy and on the field being called a ‘Waterboy’ is crazy, and I’m already giving him shit for it, but good lord this post is so wildly misleading,” wrote Kelce.
Beyond his professional qualifications, O’Pella has formed deep personal bonds with the players he supports. Kelce noted that O’Pella taped his ankles and thumbs throughout his career, a level of trust and ongoing collaboration that goes far beyond what most people associate with the “waterboy” stereotype. This personal connection underscores how athletic trainers are integral to a team’s success both on and off the field.
Clarifying sideline roles
Kelce‘s comments also serve to correct a broader misunderstanding of NFL operations. Roles that may appear simple, such as handling water bottles or towels, are usually filled by highly trained professionals.
These staff members often have degrees in exercise science, physical therapy, or related fields, and their expertise directly impacts player performance. Mislabeling them undermines the complexity and importance of their work.
Far from being glorified water carriers, these staff members are essential to the health, safety, and success of professional football players.
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