Jason Kelce has already established himself as one of the most recognizable personalities in football since retiring from the NFL. Now he may have found another job he’s pretty good at.
Kelce made his NFL Network game booth debut Sunday during the Indianapolis Colts’ 30-13 victory over the Washington Commanders in London, joining play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner for the international broadcast.
It didn’t take long for the former Philadelphia Eagles center to make an impression.
Kelce brought his usual combination of football knowledge, humor and personality to the broadcast, and the reviews following his first game assignment were overwhelmingly positive.
Awful Announcing went as far as saying Kelce “stole the show.”
Jason Kelce Earns Praise During NFL Network Debut
Kelce certainly isn’t new to television. The seven-time Pro Bowl center joined ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” after retiring following the 2023 season and has become one of the network’s most prominent NFL personalities.
Calling a game is different.
Instead of reacting to highlights in a studio, Kelce had to analyze plays as they happened while finding openings to contribute alongside Pasch and Warner. He appeared comfortable immediately.
Kelce provided insight from an offensive lineman’s perspective, something viewers don’t always receive during NFL broadcasts dominated by former quarterbacks and coaches.
He also didn’t lose the personality that has helped make him one of football’s most popular media figures.
One of Sunday’s funniest exchanges came when Pasch referenced the “tush push,” the play Kelce helped make famous during his time in Philadelphia.
Kelce jokingly pushed back on the name before explaining some of the mechanics involved. It was exactly the type of combination that could make Kelce valuable in a game booth: legitimate football expertise delivered without making the broadcast feel overly technical.
Kelce Continues Impressive Post-NFL Career
Kelce retired after 13 seasons with Philadelphia, leaving football as a Super Bowl champion, six-time first-team All-Pro and one of the best centers of his generation. His personality has only become more visible since then.
Kelce hosts the enormously popular “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, in addition to his work with ESPN.
Sunday provided another glimpse at what his broadcasting future could eventually look like.
One game isn’t enough to determine whether Kelce wants to make calling games a regular part of his career.
His debut certainly didn’t hurt his chances.
The reviews are in. Jason Kelce looked right at home in the booth.
