PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Jason Kelce is making waves as he embraces his new role as a late-night television host with the premiere of "They Call It Late Night". Taped at the Union Transfer venue, the show debuted to eager fans waiting for hours to see their beloved Eagles' legend take the stage.
Kelce, who spent his career as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles and is now eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, revealed his excitement and nerves during the show's first recording. "It’s incredibly nerve-wracking, you feel very vulnerable, but it’s also exhilarating and exciting," he said. Fans are invited to join him for five episodes airing Saturday mornings at 1 AM on ESPN, offering them insight not only from celebrity guests but also discussing NFL topics with humor.
This new project is not just any late-night show; it is shaped heavily by Kelce's own experiences and passions. Known for his humor and heart, he believes there’s something special about integrating these elements with the NFL culture. He shared, "We wanted to create a show...that really embraced all of [the NFL's culture]." With guests like basketball star Charles Barkley and rapper Lil Dicky, the show's debut is already setting the bar high.
The program features sketches, discussions about the league, and honest conversations infused with comedy. Kelce opened the show with his signature exuberance, even chugging beer, marking it the perfect kickoff to the late-night segment. This approach offers fans something fresh, recalling childhood inspirations like Conan O'Brien. "I used to love Conan as a kid. Now I’m up here doing my own show," he remarked, reflecting on his childhood admiration for late-night hosts and how it shaped his transition from sports to television.
Along with his humorous takes, the show possesses heartfelt tributes to the NFL community. Each episode integrates clips from NFL Films to celebrate both current talents and legends from the past. Kelce was adamant about creating this nostalgic connection, emphasizing how the show acts as "my love letter to football."
Live music from the Philadelphia band SNACKTIME added another layer of fun to the show. Kelce is committed to showcasing his hometown; he said, "It was important to me...to pay respect to the city...to try and make this as Philly as possible." With segments detailing humorous elements of football life, the audience enjoyed the team spirit reminiscent of Kelce's playing days.
Kelce's wife, Kylie, joined him during the taping, bringing her own energy and wit to the announcement about the language used during the segments. "I think the F-bombs was the one thing where I was told, we might want to be a little bit cautious there but, listen, we want to give you range to be who you are," Kelce said about balancing authentic dialogue with network expectations.
The audience feedback echoed the show’s success, with many fans chanting their support and expressing their excitement at being part of such history. Martha, one of the attendees, exclaimed, "We appreciate him being so real and great to our city," reinforcing how Kelce connects deeply with his fanbase.
During the premiere, Kelce moderated discussions about key NFL topics, creating engaging exchanges with his celebrity guests, which set the tone for future episodes. With plans for continued exploration of sports culture, he aims to invite both former and current players on board to narrate their journeys and experiences.
The debut episodes are set during the NFL playoffs, strategically timed to capture heightened excitement among fans. This thoughtfulness extends beyond mere entertainment; it reflects Kelce's intention to create something lasting within the sports media domain. "We really wanted to try something fun to do...and I think everybody was on board to experiment and see what happens," he stated.
Kelce’s late-night show is not merely about football; it’s about fostering connections and storytelling among sports fans. The format may lead to additional seasons based on audience reception and may well become integral to the NFL entertainment culture. "I do think there's room for this, especially within the football season," he concluded, leaving viewers eager for what’s next.
With its unique blend of humor, sports, and community spirit, "They Call It Late Night" promises to be more than just another late-night talk show; it aims to encapsulate the vibrant essence of NFL culture, making each episode worth the wait.