Jason Kelce talks about his next chapter. The former Philadelphia Eagles center addresses recent reports about his possible future in broadcasting on Wednesday’s episode New heights Podcast with his brother, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“Nothing has been officially signed or announced yet, but obviously there has been a lot.” Reports “There are people talking about me going to ESPN,” Jason continues New heights. “I think time will sort that out to some extent, but it’s a great honor to even be considered for possibly working there. This network was everything Travis and I saw growing up.”
Travis reiterates that the sports network “fueled our love for sports.”
Jason continues: “Before telephones, that was the only way to get comprehensive coverage and we sat in front of the TV every day. So the fact that I might, possibly, probably work there is pretty damn cool.”
Travis calls the opportunity a full-circle moment.
“Growing up, we lived and died on ESPN, man, and to see you up there with your microphone in your hand,” Travis enthuses, “I’m so happy for you.”
Amid speculation that Jason was subsequently pursued by multiple networks his retirement from the NFL in MarchThe 36-year-old future Hall of Famer explains that he did his “due diligence” when deciding on his future career.
“You want to make sure you really look at things and talk to people who know the industry,” he shares. “None of us have ever done anything like this, and through the whole process of meeting and talking to everyone at ESPN, it became clear that it was really the right thing to do, and at the end of the day it was something that I liked. “I’m excited I’m really excited about this next phase.”
He adds: “I think it’s a bit clearer now, which I’m definitely excited about. I know to a certain extent who I work with and I think very, very highly of all of them. I’m excited to learn.”
Jason admits: “I know a lot about the football world, but not a lot about this world. So this is just another way to further expand your knowledge.”
The father of three also emphasizes the importance of relationship building in business.
“That’s what this business is about, that’s what every business is about,” he says. “It’s about the people you interact with.”
He concludes: “I’m really excited.”
Travis congratulates his older brother again and sends a message to the network.
“Congratulations to ESPN on getting a real copy,” he says.
The athlete reported Monday that Jason had been recruited to join ESPN Monday Night Football pre-game show, citing unnamed sources. ESPN declined to comment on the report.
Earlier this month, Jason celebrated his sixth wedding anniversary with wife Kylie Kelce. While he admitted on Wednesday that he had delayed getting her a gift for the occasion, he previously paid her heartfelt tribute in his moving farewell speech.
“I think it’s no coincidence that I spent the best years of my career with Kylie by my side. Every award I have ever received, I have received with her in my life,” Jason said in his press conference at Lincoln Financial. “She brought out the best in me through love, dedication, support, honesty, intelligence and of course the occasional quick kick in the ass.”
These “quick kicks” could also include Kylie’s last comments To Today Co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie discuss their wishes for their husband after he retires from his busy NFL career.
“He has to leave the house,” joked Kylie, who wants to continue her work with the Eagles Autism Foundation after the big change in her life. “It’s not that he has to leave the house, it’s that he has to leave the house. I don’t think golf will be enough with three small children.”
The couple have three daughters together: Wyatt (4), Elliotte (3) and Bennett (1).
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