Entertainment Sports Keegan-Michael Key Says He's 'Not a Big Trash Talker,' Despite His Hardcore Love of Sports: 'I'm from the Midwest' (Exclusive) The actor and comedian is a huge fan of the Detroit Lions By Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. He began working with the brand as an Editorial Intern in early 2020, before later transitioning to staff positions. Nicholas writes and edits anywhere between 7 to 9 stories per day on average for PEOPLE, spanning across each vertical the brand covers. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 15, 2025 09:00AM EST Comments Keegan-Michael Key. Photo: Jim Beam Keegan-Michael Key is all about friendly competition. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the actor and comedian, 53, says that he is "not a big trash talker," despite being a hardcore sports fan. "I'm from the Midwest," Key — who has partnered with Jim Beam for their “7 Stages of Defeat” care package — jokes, referencing the reputation those in that area of the United States have for being friendly and polite. Recalling an example of his kind sports demeanor, the Detroit Lions supporter says, "The other day, I was on the elevator with a Minnesota Vikings fan, and when they left the elevator, I wished them good luck." Still, Key explains that there are certain sports fans he undoubtedly will beef with. "I will talk trash someone from Ohio," he says. "I'm from Michigan. I grew up a Michigan Wolverines fan and I went to Penn State, so I am from the place and went to the school that are the biggest rivals for Ohio State." Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Keegan-Michael Key in February 2024. Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty NFL Fan Posts About 'Awesome' Taylor Swift Bond He Now Has with His Daughter: 'It's a Fun Thing We Share' According to Key, he has "always loved sports" and always "loved all kinds of sports" from a young age. "I love the Olympics, I love soccer. I love anything that comes on TV," he says. "Sometimes I'll watch and be like, 'Oh look, a lacrosse game,' but I'm a huge football fan. Since I'm nine or 10 years old, I've been watching the Detroit Lions." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Key says he isn't ashamed of his sports-loving nature, and will even go all out to root for his favorite NFL team — even when he is by his lonesome. "I will sometimes sit at home by myself with a jersey on and a hat. I don't go as far as painting the face," he explains. "It's just for me ... and very often, when something exciting or something bad happens, I have been known to talk to the television in a rather loud voice, and my wife sometimes has to remind me that they cannot hear me. But it doesn't ever seem to stop me from doing it. I love the Lions so much." Keegan-Michael Key. Jim Beam ESPN Reporter Goes Viral and Gets Marriage Requests — Fans Disappointed to Learn She’s Already Off the Market As a sports fan, Key knows that there are always plenty of exciting and thrilling moments, but also some rather defeating ones as well, which is where his partnership with Jim Beam comes in. The “7 Stages of Defeat” care package, which is inspired by Jim Beam Black’s unique seven-year aging process, plays on the idea of the seven stages of grief. "It's really a fun, exciting and imaginative campaign," Key tells PEOPLE. "These kits are going to help people navigate through the seven stages of defeat after your team loses in the playoffs." "The kind of emotions that people go through during a football season, it just intensifies during the playoffs," he continues. "And one of the best parts is that you can overcome these feelings with friends and family." The Jim Beam kit will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for consumers via a limited quantity drop schedule, with the first on Jan. 20 (post-Divisonals), the second on Jan. 27 (post-Conference Championships) and the third on Feb. 10 (post-Super Bowl). Close