In what is undoubtedly one of the most star-studded and hilarious episodes of the New Heights podcast to date, Travis and Jason Kelce welcomed a guest who needs no introduction: George Clooney. The two-time “Sexiest Man Alive” and Academy Award winner joined the NFL brothers for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from his heartbreaking fandom for the Cincinnati Bengals to his legendary history of pranking fellow Hollywood elites.

For fans accustomed to seeing Clooney as the suave, untouchable movie star, this interview offered a refreshing glimpse into his life as a regular guy—a dad who struggles with swearing in front of his kids, a sports fan who throws sandwiches at the television, and a prankster who delights in causing chaos for his famous friends.

A Bengals Fan “Broken” by the Chiefs

The episode kicked off with immediate fireworks as Clooney, a Kentucky native who grew up across the river from Cincinnati, wasted no time airing his grievances with Travis Kelce. Despite his polished demeanor, Clooney revealed that he is a die-hard Bengals fan who has suffered immensely at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Travis, you broke me, man,” Clooney told the younger Kelce brother, half-joking but entirely serious about the pain of sports fandom. “I’m a Bengals fan, dude. I grew up in Cincinnati. You have broken me so many times.”

Clooney painted a vivid picture of his frustration, describing moments where he would watch Travis make a game-winning play and react with pure, unadulterated rage. “You know how many times I’ve thrown like a hoagie at my TV at your face?” he laughed. “You guys had your run. You broke me.”

The admission set the tone for an interview that felt less like a formal press junket and more like three guys hanging out at a bar. Jason Kelce, a former Cincinnati Bearcat himself, bonded with Clooney over their shared love for the city and its “Straight Street” geography, solidifying Clooney’s status not just as a global icon, but as a true “Cincy” local at heart.

The King of Pranks: Clinton, Pitt, and Streep

Perhaps the most entertaining segment of the podcast was when Clooney delved into his notorious reputation as a practical joker. The stories he shared were nothing short of diabolical, proving that his creativity extends far beyond acting and directing.

Clooney confessed to stealing personalized stationery from Bill Clinton—gifted to him by Jimmy Kimmel—and using it to terrorize his actor friends. He would write letters masquerading as the former President, telling actors how much he “loved” them in their most critically panned films.

“I’d find a movie that wasn’t a great film of theirs, and I’d be like, ‘You know, I love you in this film,’” Clooney explained, unable to suppress his laughter. “I guarantee you some of them are framed on some of their walls.”

But he didn’t stop there. He also utilized stolen stationery from his Oceans co-star Brad Pitt to pull a fast one on none other than Meryl Streep. Clooney sent the legendary actress a book of dialect coaching CDs with a note signed by “Brad,” claiming the book helped him with his accent in Troy—a role famously criticized for its accent work—and suggesting it might help her, too.

“Years later, I see Meryl and I tell her the story,” Clooney recalled. “And she’s like, ‘Oh my god, I was wondering why the f*** he’s sending me this!’”

Batman, Nipples, and “Jay Kelly”

No conversation with George Clooney is complete without addressing the elephant in the room: his turn as the Caped Crusader in Batman & Robin. While the film is often panned, Clooney embraces the criticism with a self-deprecating charm that is impossible not to love.

When asked where he ranks among the actors who have donned the cowl, Clooney didn’t hesitate. “I was the best Batman,” he deadpanned. His reasoning? “I’m the only one who had rubber nipples.”

He joked about the practical issues of the suit, noting that when it got cold on set, the nipples became “like two Dunlop tires.” It was a moment of levity that transitioned perfectly into a discussion about his latest project, Jay Kelly.

The new film, coming soon to Netflix, stars Clooney alongside Adam Sandler. Clooney plays the titular character, a famous actor going through a mid-life crisis—a role he jokingly admitted hit a little close to home. The movie follows the duo on a sabbatical in Europe, capturing the absurdity of Hollywood life and the entourage culture that surrounds it.

“He’s such a good egg,” Clooney said of Sandler. “He and I have been playing basketball together for about 30 years… just a chance to work with him was a blast.”

The Future: Oceans 14 and Football Dramas

In a massive reveal for film buffs, Clooney confirmed that the gang is indeed getting back together for another Oceans movie. However, he warned fans that the tone might be slightly different given the age of the cast.

“Now we’re old, so it’s going to be mostly just trying not to crap yourself,” he quipped. “Every sneeze is a gamble now.” Despite the jokes about their age, he confirmed a script is ready and they are currently scouting locations, sparking excitement for the return of Danny Ocean and his crew.

The podcast wasn’t all Hollywood glamour, though. The Kelce brothers and Clooney also touched on the current state of football (in this 2025 timeline). They discussed the chaotic coaching carousel, specifically Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss for LSU right before the playoffs—a move that resonated with Jason Kelce, who experienced similar abandonment during his college days at Cincinnati.

They also broke down the current struggles of the Chiefs, who are sitting at a surprising 6-6 record. Travis Kelce got real about the frustration of the season, admitting, “We’re fighting for our lives to find a way into the playoffs.” It was a rare moment of vulnerability from the Super Bowl champion, mirrored by Clooney’s own stories of professional humiliation, including a disastrous singing audition for the Coen brothers where he sounded like a “cat caught in the wheel well.”

A Human Moment

Ultimately, what made this episode of New Heights stand out was the humanity on display. Whether it was Clooney talking about his children repeating his road rage f-bombs (“Same delivery,” he noted with horror), or his awe at meeting Paul Newman as a young actor, the superstar stripped away the veneer of celebrity.

He left the Kelce brothers—and the audience—with a profound sense of respect. As Jason Kelce put it after the interview, “If that’s what a superstar is, I’m f***ed. Because I don’t have that.”

For a little over an hour, George Clooney wasn’t just a movie star; he was just another guy talking sports, sharing war stories, and laughing about the absurdities of life. And for the legions of fans listening, it was an absolute treat.