You’ll Never Guess the Bizarre Meal Jason and Travis Were Obsessed With in College — From Cans of Beans to Mystery Meats, Their Struggle Food Confession Will Blow Your Mind and Make You Question Everything You Know About NFL Stars! 

When NFL stars and beloved podcast hosts Jason and Travis Kelce take a trip down memory lane, it’s not just about touchdowns and championships—it’s also about the humble meals that fueled their rise. On a recent episode of their chart-topping podcast, New Heights, the Kelce brothers dove into a hilarious and heartfelt discussion: their favorite “struggle meals” from college.

And Jason, never one to hold back, proudly declared, “I’m a big beans and weenies fan.” That’s right—while fans know him as a Super Bowl champion and one of the most dominant centers in NFL history, Jason Kelce’s culinary roots are steeped in simplicity: canned baked beans, hot dogs, and a microwave. For the Kelce brothers, those meals weren’t just cheap and easy—they were symbols of perseverance, survival, and the grit it takes to make it through college football life.

What Are “Struggle Meals”?

For the uninitiated, “struggle meals” refer to the quick, inexpensive, often questionably nutritious foods many college students rely on when funds are low and time is limited. These meals are usually built on a foundation of whatever’s in the fridge, whatever costs less than five bucks, or whatever can be cooked in a microwave in under five minutes. Think ramen, canned chili, peanut butter on a spoon, or yes—beans and weenies.

It’s a rite of passage. A bonding experience. And for many, a taste that sticks.

Jason Kelce: The Beans-and-Weenies Loyalist

Jason’s pick was unapologetic. “Just give me a can of baked beans and some cut-up hot dogs,” he laughed, “microwave that bad boy, and I’m good to go.”

To some listeners, that might sound like a step above cat food. To others, especially those who’ve lived the college athlete lifestyle—balancing brutal practices, early classes, and never-ending hunger—it makes perfect sense. It’s a warm, filling meal that costs less than three dollars and takes less than three minutes. No prep, no frills, and zero judgment.

Jason added, “You know, sometimes you’d even throw a little bit of barbecue sauce in there. Doctor it up. If you were really living large, maybe even some shredded cheese.”

His enthusiasm wasn’t ironic. It was nostalgic. This was food that reminded him of long nights in a shared apartment, teammates crowded around a couch, and meals that made do with what was available. Beans and weenies weren’t just sustenance—they were part of the grind.

Travis Kelce: A Man of the Ramen People

Travis, always the more flamboyant of the two, had a different take. While he gave Jason credit for his dedication to the classic struggle dish, Travis leaned more into the ramen lifestyle.

“I’m telling you,” Travis said, “Ramen noodles, throw in some hot sauce, maybe crack an egg in there if you got one—that’s gourmet, bro.”

Like many, Travis had learned to “upgrade” his ramen with cheap additions—soy sauce packets, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even frozen veggies. But his baseline was clear: ramen was king. It was fast, it was filling, and with enough seasoning, it almost tasted like a real meal.

He joked, “I lived on ramen and tuna packets for like three semesters. I don’t even think I knew how to use a stove.”

The banter between the brothers was pure New Heights magic—relatable, hilarious, and real. They teased each other about who had the more “gourmet” struggle meal and even debated whether beans and weenies could technically be considered a stew.

Beyond the Laughter: A Glimpse Into the Grind

Though their conversation was lighthearted, it offered fans a rare glimpse into the real-life sacrifices and humbling experiences that even star athletes endure on their way to the top. Before the fame, before the Super Bowls, before the millions—they were just two hungry college kids figuring it out.

Jason played college football at the University of Cincinnati, walking on as a linebacker before eventually switching to offensive line and earning a scholarship. Travis followed him to Cincinnati, where he played tight end. Both experienced lean years, not just financially but emotionally and physically, as they tried to carve out their place in a demanding world.

“Sometimes you’d open the fridge and it was just like… ketchup, maybe a slice of American cheese, and some mystery leftovers,” Jason recalled. “You had to get creative.”

It’s a side of athletes fans don’t often see: not the red carpet, but the bare cupboard. Not the champagne, but the cup noodles.

Struggle Meals as a Shared Language

For listeners—especially those who have navigated college, tough times, or just life on a budget—the episode resonated deeply. Fans flooded the comments section with their own struggle meals: rice with soy sauce and butter, boxed mac and cheese with tuna, tortillas filled with whatever was lying around.

What’s beautiful about struggle meals is how universal they are. They transcend background, status, and geography. Whether it’s a Division I athlete in a cramped apartment or a student pulling an all-nighter in a dorm, the humble meal becomes a symbol of making it work—even when it’s not glamorous.

Now vs. Then: How Far They’ve Come

Of course, things have changed. These days, Jason and Travis are multi-millionaires with access to nutritionists, chefs, and the finest steak money can buy. But the nostalgia for beans and weenies, ramen, and peanut butter sandwiches isn’t just a gimmick—it’s real. It’s a reminder of who they were before the world knew their names.

Jason summed it up best:
“You can take the guy out of the struggle, but you can’t take the struggle out of the guy. I’ll still eat beans and weenies today—and enjoy it.”

Why This Matters

In a sports world often obsessed with luxury and excess, the Kelce brothers’ conversation is a refreshing reminder that greatness starts with humble beginnings. It also reveals their authenticity—something that’s become a hallmark of their podcast and why fans keep tuning in. They’re funny, vulnerable, and real.

When Jason talks about beans and weenies, and Travis recalls ramen nights, they’re not just joking around. They’re telling a story of resilience. And in doing so, they’re reminding all of us—whether we’re fans, athletes, or just trying to make it through the week—that struggle is part of the journey.

And sometimes, it even tastes like baked beans and hot dogs.