Jason Kelce, the retired former center of the Philadelphia Eagles, is making waves beyond the football field with his new ventures, including hosting his very own late-night television show and engaging with fans through comedic sketches and advertisements. Since hanging up his cleats, Kelce has seamlessly transitioned from NFL star to multifaceted entertainer, bringing his authentic Philly charm to viewers.
The debut episode of Kelce's show, titled They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, aired recently on ESPN at 1 A.M. EST. The show marks the culmination of Kelce's desire to maintain connections with the sport he loves—complete with humorous sketches, engaging guests, and elements from NFL history. On the inaugural episode, Kelce bantered with esteemed guests such as basketball legend Charles Barkley, rapper Lil Dicky, and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger, bringing his genuine personality to the late-night format.
Kelce's entrance to late-night television is peppered with personal touches; on the first episode, he arrived wearing his Super Bowl parade Mummer's costume and drove up to the set in his intense Eagles-themed golf cart. Kelce kicked things off with a raw and unfiltered monologue, setting the stage for what fans can expect from the coming episodes. “I used to love watching late night TV growing up,” he reflected before launching his unruly comedic style.
The show's creative direction is influenced by Kelce's nostalgia for sports, aiming to celebrate the past and present of NFL culture. “I knew I wanted NFL Films because I felt like we wanted to make a show celebrating the NFL,” Kelce stated, demonstrating his commitment to connecting fans with the sport's rich history. The title of the show is subtly inspired by They Call It Pro Football, the debut film from NFL Films back in 1967.
While Kelce's focus is on entertaining, he has also been busy with other ventures. He is featured prominently as the face of the new Hatchimals campaign, sharing his joy as he introduces his daughters to the magical world of the new toy line. "Watching their faces light up when they got their hands on the new Hatchimals was priceless," he expressed, highlighting the joy of parenting and his excitement for children's engagement with the brand.
Kelce isn't just entertaining but also giving back. Together with Spin Master, he is donating $1 million worth of toys to children in Philadelphia, making the holiday season brighten with new gifts. His focus on community reflects his down-to-earth persona, which resonates deeply with fans and families alike.
Not one to shy away from candid conversations, Kelce has shared insights about his marriage and family life on various platforms. Speaking on the Conversations with Cam podcast, he praised his wife, Kylie Kelce, for her nurturing nature and unwavering support. “Her kids are the most important thing in the world to her, and it shows,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of grounded priorities.
Kelce’s new ventures represent the latest chapter of his life post-NFL, where he taps deeply not only his sports background but also his family life and love for entertainment. He joked about his late-night career, saying, "We have a bunch of really funny writers who are going to make the show funny because I certainly can't!" This humorous self-awareness is part of his charm as he embraces this new role.
Despite his ease on camera, Kelce acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to such a public format, noting, “It’s game day... Plenty of errors, just like a game.” His openness about the learning process offers authenticity to the show—and to his fans who have witnessed his evolution from athlete to entertainer.
Moving forward, Kelce's unexpected foray and playful demeanor suggest the potential for lasting success. With more episodes of They Call It Late Night planned and his marketing initiatives with toy companies, Kelce is poised to keep his fans entertained and engaged across various platforms. His new endeavors showcase his resilience and adaptability as he embraces life after football, proving he never truly leaves the game behind; he just plays it on different fields.