One year ago, the Jason Kelce sweepstakes captivated the sports media landscape. With his younger brother preparing for the Super Bowl and Kelce’s own retirement nearly official, the then-Philadelphia Eagles center found himself immersed in Las Vegas, in front of every camera. Meanwhile, his free agency had begun as reports emerged of his meetings with potential suitors. Just weeks later, he officially announced his retirement from football while embarking on a new career off the field.
After two months of interest, the Cleveland Heights, Ohio native joined ESPN, quickly becoming the frontrunner in the hiring process. Expectations soared, with comparisons to Charles Barkley emerging as a benchmark. I believed then that while some analysts have charisma and others outstanding careers, few possess both. The rarity of that combination, paired with a relatable demeanor, is the ultimate prize in sports media.
However, a year into his reported three-year, $24 million contract, the closest Kelce came to embodying Barkley was when the NBA legend joined the debut episode of his late-night show, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce. While Kelce has been a decent analyst, it’s hard to argue that ESPN executives felt they got their money’s worth in Year 1, as truly memorable moments were scarce.
His debut on Monday Night Countdown included an ill-fitting shirt, which prompted Kelce to joke, “I’ve lost a little bit of weight, but my tits are still struggling.” Following that, a Week 2 broadcast’s overwhelming Eagles focus led him to issue an apology. His notable moments also included going viral for confronting a fan who used a homophobic slur against his brother, during which incident he apologized and faced no punishment from ESPN.
The emphasis on “moments” is deliberate, as that is what ESPN likely expected from Kelce. While many former NFL players can analyze and provide opinions, it’s those who captivate audiences live and produce social media gold that rise above the fray. These expectations were underscored with the launch of his late-night show, which debuted at 1 a.m. ET. Although it aired five episodes, the initial offering proved even less memorable than his Monday Night Countdown presence.
Despite the late-night show appearing to be a work-in-progress, one of its more puzzling aspects was ESPN’s lack of promotion for it. Outside the initial announcement, viewers might not have known Kelce had a late-night show. This raised questions about whether a late-night format, particularly with an ex-athlete as the host, could succeed without robust backing from ESPN.
Though Kelce’s early months felt like an adjustment period more than a swift ascending career launch, a prime opportunity arose with his former team facing off against his brother’s team in the Super Bowl. Despite his commendable analysis — which included a heartfelt moment reflecting on New Orleans post a terrorist attack — it was telling that some of his best insights came not on ESPN airwaves, but via social media instead.
Looking forward, there’s good news: Kelce isn’t a lost cause; he simply hasn’t yet met high expectations. While growth as an analyst is anticipated, much of the struggle seems tied to the network’s placement of him rather than his personal abilities. His best moments came during a cameo in the Monday Night Football booth, and despite the unlikelihood of a full-time partnership with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, it remains a positive foundation. Additionally, his rapport with Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, and Marcus Spears provides opportunities for further development.
On the subject of the Barkley comparison, it’s noteworthy how the Philadelphia sports icon has often seemed intertwined with his employer. In contrast, Kelce’s role at ESPN feels more like another gig in his portfolio — a reflection of today’s sports media landscape. Perhaps recalibrating expectations around his tenure at ESPN is necessary and might align more realistically with current trends.
