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PHILADELPHIA — What began as a lighthearted cultural sports debate quickly turned into a point of pride for the NFL community after Hollywood actor Tom Holland questioned why American football is even called “football.” This time, it was a Philadelphia legend who stepped in to respond. Holland recently said he “loves America and loves American football,” but added that he would “never understand why it’s called football because they don’t use their feet.” The “Spider-Man” star went further, suggesting that soccer is the “real football” and the greatest sport in the world, referencing his admiration for Lionel Messi. 🚨🗣️ Tom Holland: “I love America, I love American football. But I don't understand why it's called 'football', When they don't even play with their feet.Real Football is the Greatest Sport of all time. It’s the World's sport. When I went to the Ballon d'Or and saw Messi, it… pic.twitter.com/7I2XA5WFsY — MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) February 23, 2026 For many within the league, the comments felt dismissive. And when asked about the remarks during an appearance, Jason Kelce — the longtime cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles — didn’t hesitate to defend the sport he built his career on. tom holland pic.twitter.com/LUG7QQpSEM — Jeremy Fowler (@SmartTrue197118) February 26, 2026 “He’s a phenomenal actor, but until you’ve lined up across from another man and moved him against his will, you don’t understand what this game is about. Football demands your legs, your arms, your mind — your entire body. It’s toughness, it’s leverage, it’s sacrifice. That’s something you have to live to truly understand.” Kelce’s words weren’t delivered with hostility, but with conviction. A Super Bowl champion and one of the most respected offensive linemen of his generation, Kelce knows firsthand the physical and mental toll the sport requires. For him, American football is less about semantics and more about the discipline and unity it fosters. While soccer dominates globally, the NFL occupies a unique cultural space in the United States. The term “football” historically referred to games played on foot rather than on horseback — not simply because of kicking. And while American football features punts, field goals and kickoffs, its identity has always been rooted in controlled violence, strategic precision and team execution. Kelce also emphasized that respect between sports matters. Comparing disciplines is natural, but dismissing one based on surface-level observations misses the complexity beneath. American football blends brute strength with chess-like strategy — something players spend decades mastering. As the NFL continues to grow internationally, cross-cultural conversations about sport are inevitable. But if there’s one thing Jason Kelce made clear, it’s that American football doesn’t need validation from Hollywood. It stands on tradition, grit and generations of athletes who have given everything to the game.