Jason Kelce, the celebrated former center for the Philadelphia Eagles, is experiencing the ups and downs of retirement with genuine humor and introspection. After 13 thrilling seasons with the Eagles, where he established himself not only as one of the game’s best centers but also as the heart of the team, Kelce made the decision to retire following the 2022 season. His time with the Eagles included pushing the team to victory during the Super Bowl 52 and marking memorable moments like his electrifying speech during the Super Bowl parade. Yet, leaving the field brought unexpected sentiments.
"It’s just… the last 13 years, I came here, and now each week I’m in a different city, a different stadium. It feels like I’ve made a giant mistake," Kelce candidly remarked during one of his initial appearances post-retirement. Perhaps he was joking, but as many retirees know, transitioning from something you love is never easy. The pressure and excitement of game days, the signature chants from fans, and the camaraderie within the locker room created a unique experience for Kelce, making the adjustment to life away from the field all the more challenging.
Now, equipped with his Mummer's Parade costume and accompanied by his beloved hometown, Kelce has embarked on yet another venture: late-night television. His new ESPN show, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, kicked off with much anticipation. The show brings not just football discussions but also delightful appearances from celebrity guests like Jimmy Kimmel, Charles Barkley, and rapper Lil Dicky, among others. Featuring his wife, Kylie, as the announcer, Kelce aims to infuse his Philadelphia roots and charm through every episode.
Despite the star-studded guest list, the reaction to the show has been mixed. General viewers on social media voiced criticisms, calling the first episode "awful," "painfully unfunny," and even described it as the worst they've ever seen on television. Amid this criticism, there were moments of authenticity, particularly when Kelce steered conversations toward football—a topic he is undeniably passionate about. Yet, many argued the scripted segments felt forced, diluting the potential for genuine engagement.
Kelce has taken cues from the talk show community. He sought advice from experienced hosts, like Jimmy Kimmel, to find his footing as he dives headfirst from the football field to the television screen. The show retains his raw, unfiltered persona, connecting with football fans over casual conversations mixed with boisterous laughter and the occasional expletive. "We really wanted the language to be real and authentic to me," Kelce said, underlining his commitment to staying true to his style.
Transitioning from supporting the Eagles to leading conversations with notable figures presents its own challenges. Yet, Kelce has tapped deeply within to create an atmosphere where fans not only recognize him as the player he was but as the charismatic host he aspires to be. His recent interactions signify his efforts to adapt to this new lifestyle, with quips and casual dialogue dominating his interactions on the show. The underlying passion he maintains for football consistently threads through every joke shared and every discussion held.
While Jason Kelce now has to share the stage with rising stars—which includes the Eagles’ new center, Cam Jurgens—the transition is not lost on him. Jurgens, drafted back in 2022 and taking on the center role, has seamlessly taken up the mantle, showcasing impressive abilities and proving he can lead the Eagles’ offensive line. Coach Nick Sirianni praises Jurgens, stating, "It’s never easy to replace a legend, but Cam has done a really nice job." With Jurgens establishing himself, one can feel Kelce’s influence echoing from the stands, supporting the new generation.
Aside from entertaining Philadelphia, Kelce continues to stay busy, using his platform for various ventures, again highlighting his comedic charm. Recently, Kelce has gained notoriety as a prominent pitchman, involving everything from beer companies to food products, and he continues to engage with fans through his podcast, New Heights, co-hosted with his brother Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. The median continues to evolve, but Jason keeps himself deeply rooted as one to manifest joy through football.
Although the debut of his show introduced mixed feelings among the audience, Kelce remains optimistic. He views his move to late-night television as another game. "We really just wanted to try something fun to do and I think everybody was on board to experiment and see what happens," he stated, pointing out his excitement and hope for growth within this new platform. Like all new ventures, adjustments will be made as he works on refining his craft.
Jason Kelce's transition from the NFL star to the late-night talk show host embodies the concept of redefining oneself post-retirement. With every appearance, he is not just presenting his new self but also honoring his legacy within the sport. His future may be uncertain, yet the passion for the game and the joy he shared clearly resonate as he motivates others around him. Whether chugging beers with fans or throwing raw football discussions, it remains evident: Jason Kelce is far from done making his mark.