Jason Kelce has struck a nerve with NFL fans, but it is the wrong kind. The former Philadelphia Eagles center and ESPN are reportedly linking up to set up a late-night show for the NFL faithful.
If John Ourand of Puck is to be believed, then ESPN is in talks with the senior Kelce about hosting a traditional late-night program featuring athletes and celebrities produced by NFL Films.
Fans Don’t Want To Watch More of Jason Kelce
The show is slated to air on five consecutive Friday nights starting in January, hoping to capture viral moments for YouTube and TikTok.
ESPN is exploring a late-night show featuring Jason Kelce. https://t.co/sdNsqnwB3L
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 25, 2024
However, not everyone is thrilled about the news. One fan voiced their exhaustion on social media, writing, “Please, God, end it now.”
Another user said, “Good on them for getting their bags, but both brothers are overexposed and kinda just noise now.”
Some fans are also making connections to Jason’s brother Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, with one X (formerly known as Twitter) user quipping, “How much is Taylor Swift paying ESPN for this?”
It’s clear that the Kelce brothers’ oversaturation in the media is grating on fans who feel it’s too much. One fan wrote: “Please no. Enough of the Kelce family already.”
One X user said: “Fantasy is ruining football,” and another said: “1. I’m an eagles fan 2. I’m a TS fan 3. Enough of the Kelce’s, its overkill.”
“They’re not even funny, just a couple tools,” wrote another.
ESPN hopes this show will attract younger audiences. However, fan reactions suggest that the network might need to rethink its strategy before turning off the very audience it aims to engage.
Kelce Is Killing in the Media Industry
It seems that the media world is suiting the elder Kelce, who retired from football in March 2024. ESPN is in talks with the 2018 Super Bowl winner about hosting a late-night show. It would air on five consecutive Friday nights in January.
He already has ties with ESPN as an analyst for “Monday Night Countdown,” and his transition into media has been smooth.
ESPN officially has signed former Eagles standout Jason Kelce to a multi-year deal. Kelce will join Monday Night Countdown, leading into Monday Night Football, then appear again at halftime. He will be a part of ESPN and ABC’s coverage of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles in 2027. pic.twitter.com/3yOCGEM6Td
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 14, 2024
In September, he joined Joe Buck and Troy Aikman during a “Monday Night Football” broadcast in Philadelphia.
Making room for my new teammate and future HOF’er @jasonkelce as he will be joining @joebuck and myself in the 3rd quarter on Monday Night Football tonight on ESPN🏈👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/DoUJAE9YAo
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) September 16, 2024
The Kelce name has grown clout, especially after Jason’s brother, Travis, went public with his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. The brothers also co-host the wildly successful “New Heights” podcast. This venture of theirs also found success, inking a three-year, $100 million deal with Wondery Network, owned by Amazon.