A New Journey for the New Heighs Native: Jason Kelce Returns to the NFL
It is the greatest time of year again... Football is back! Preseason is officially underway, and the regular season will begin in just a few short weeks. The countdown is on to see who will be crowned this year’s champs—will Mr. Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs make history by becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row? When will Taylor join the WAGS again? Is Joe Burrow still our #1 guy?
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While there are many questions to ponder, the most significant is what is happening with Jason Kelce, the king of football, a national treasure, and perhaps the greatest center to ever take the field. Rest assured that, despite his retirement from the field, Jason will still appear on your screens this year as a commentator. Kelce will join the “Monday Night Countdown” team at ESPN to help pump up fans before the game, provide insights into the current state of the league, and most likely poke fun at his brother, Travis Kelce. Jason will further grace our screens during halftime and be a special guest during Super Bowl week!
Jason and Travis after Travis won the Super Bowl (Getty Images)
When the announcement was made, Jason enthusiastically shared his excitement, "Turns out, it was a short retirement! I'm excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team. ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports. To now appear on that same screen is a full-circle moment. And, I mean it's freaking Monday Night Football! and I'm ready for some football."
The Dynamic Duo (Getty Images)
You might be concerned that a former NFL center is trading his cleats for the microphone, but Jason is ready for this career change. First, his personality is made for prime-time television. He knows how to work a camera, is overly engaging, and his adorable face helps, too! To sharpen his live TV skills, Jason participated in the NFL's "Broadcast Bootcamp," a workshop to polish and prepare. Jason is also the co-host of "New Heights," a podcast he started with Travis. The hilarious duo discuss all things football, sharing behind-the-scenes stories of their experiences. Games are played, laughs are shared, celebrity guests join, and, of course, Ms. Swift is often referenced.
Jason at Broadcast Bootcamp (AP)
We can only assume that Jason also drew inspiration from Miss Americana herself to perform during a live show. Jason accompanied Travis to Taylor's London Eras Tour stop this summer and quickly went viral after exchanging so many friendship bracelets that his entire arm was covered. Of course, Jason showed his wife, Queen Kylie, in an adorable moment. Later on in the show, during a "sadder" portion, Jason was seen staring off into the distance with bracelets hanging from his ears. Jason expressed his admiration for Taylor: "It was an awesome experience obviously the Swifties make it very memorable, they know all the songs. The run of show even, like the 22 hat, dude I've never cried at a f---ing concert and I was literally tearing up watching this little girl's entire — I'm about to tear up right now — it was f----ing so special."
Jason & Kylie (Getty Images)
We are so excited to see Jason back on our screens this year. The NFL was not going to be the same without him. Even though he has an official role, we would not be shocked to see him hanging out of boxes again, cheering on Travis with Kylie and Taylor. The 2024 NFL season officially kicks off on September 5, 2024—only 18 days, not that we’re counting!