Jason Kelce, the beloved former Philadelphia Eagles center and Super Bowl champion, is ready to take on a new challenge—this time as the host of his very own late-night talk show. Kelce announced that he will be fronting ESPN’s newest show, “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” set to debut in January 2025.
The announcement came during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Thursday, where Kelce revealed some of the details of the show, which will be taped in Philadelphia. The 37-year-old Kelce shared his excitement for this new venture, saying, “I loved late-night shows, I’ve always loved them. I remember sleepovers watching Conan O’Brien with my friends.”
The Philadelphia-based late-night talk show is expected to feature a mix of humor, sports, and heartwarming conversations, with Kelce promising plenty of familiar faces. “We’re going to have a bunch of guys up there—legends of the game, friends that I played the game with, coaches, celebrities,” he said. The hour-long show will tape on five consecutive Friday nights, kicking off January 3, coinciding with the final week of the NFL’s regular season and the start of the playoffs.
“It’s going to be a celebration,” Kelce added enthusiastically, hinting at the lively and fun atmosphere he intends to bring to the late-night television landscape. The show, titled “They Call It Late Night,” will air at 1 a.m. on ESPN and will also be available for streaming on ESPN+ and Kelce’s YouTube channels.
The title of the show pays homage to the NFL’s storied history, taking inspiration from “They Call it Pro Football,” which was NFL Films’ first full-length feature in 1967. Fittingly, the show will also be recorded in Philadelphia, where NFL Films was originally established.
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The network has greenlit five episodes for now, with the final episode slated to air on February 1. All of the episodes will be filmed in front of a live audience at Union Transfer, a well-known music venue in Philadelphia.
Kelce’s show will retain many classic late-night staples, including interactions with a live audience, high-profile celebrity guests, and a house band. For “They Call It Late Night,” Philadelphia’s own SNACKTIME will provide the musical backdrop, bringing their unique energy to each episode.
The show is being produced by NFL Films in collaboration with Kelce’s own Wooderboy Productions and Skydance Sports. Kelce’s passion for Philadelphia and the NFL is evident, and his new project is aimed at showcasing not only his own charisma but also the city’s culture and the game he loves.
Kelce signed a multi-year agreement with ESPN earlier this year following his retirement from professional football in March. Since joining ESPN, he has worked as an analyst on “Monday Night Countdown” throughout this NFL season, giving viewers a glimpse into his knowledge and love for the game.
The timing of Kelce’s rise to stardom could not be better, as the entire Kelce family has been in the spotlight recently. His brother, Travis Kelce, has gained even more notoriety since going public with his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift in late 2023.
Together, the Kelce brothers have also enjoyed massive success with their “New Heights” podcast, which has earned them a three-year, $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery network.
Jason Kelce’s football career is the stuff of legend—spending his entire 13-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce was a six-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler.
He played a pivotal role in leading the Eagles to their Super Bowl victory in 2018 and faced off against his brother Travis in Super Bowl LVII, a game the Chiefs ultimately won.
With “They Call It Late Night,” Kelce is adding another chapter to an already impressive post-football career. As he steps into the late-night TV world, he’s ready to bring his personality, humor, and passion to a broader audience.
For Kelce, it’s all about celebrating the game, the city of Philadelphia, and the connections that sports bring to people’s lives.
