Jason Kelce, now navigating his post-NFL career as an analyst with ESPN, is still figuring out the nuances of his new role while balancing his connection to his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. During a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, the retired Eagles center opened up about the challenges of working with ESPN while maintaining a presence at the Eagles’ facility.
Kelce, who retired in March after a 13-season career with the Eagles, explained that he’s still figuring out the rules regarding his involvement with the team. When Travis asked if either ESPN or the NFL had given him clear guidance on whether he can still be in the Eagles’ building while doing commentary, Jason admitted, “I don’t know what the rule is.”
Though Kelce remains active around the Eagles organization, he clarified that he is not on the team’s payroll. “For me, I’m not accepting any money from the Eagles. I don’t have an official position,” he explained. “I’m really just going there out of pure interest on my own to keep my knowledge of the game up.”
Kelce emphasized that his time at the Eagles’ facility is more about staying connected to the sport and his former teammates rather than any formal role with the team. “I’ve built up a lot of relationships with the people around that building that I’m gonna help out in any way I can. But the reality is, that’s not my job,” he said.
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Travis brought up another former NFL player in a similar situation: retired quarterback Tom Brady. Brady, who will debut as a Fox Sports commentator this season, is also pursuing ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders. If approved, Brady could face broadcasting restrictions, which raises questions about the lines between media, ownership, and team involvement. ESPN told The New York Post that it is “fine with Jason being around the Eagles in an unofficial capacity.”
Kelce, who still lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Kylie, and their three daughters, reiterated that his continued presence at the Eagles’ facility is simply to help him stay sharp as he transitions to his new role at ESPN. “I want to be able to keep my knowledge of the game fresh,” he said during the podcast.
The brothers also discussed Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who had previously joked about offering Jason a role as a team scout during an appearance on the Up & Adams show in July. Jason, however, dismissed the idea for now, explaining that accepting an official position would compromise his ability to give honest media assessments.
“I’m partly not accepting a position because I want to be able to be honest in my assessment as an individual media member,” Kelce said. “Although I think everybody knows I’ll always be biased about personal relationships I have with the Eagles.”
As for a potential future in coaching, Kelce left the door open but isn’t ready to commit. “We’ll see, maybe one day. I know selfishly I’d love coaching, but that’s a big time commitment that at this time I’m not willing to make,” he said.
For now, Jason Kelce’s focus is on his new role at ESPN, where he will contribute to Monday Night Countdown and provide commentary during halftime shows throughout the NFL season.
He’ll also play a part in ESPN’s playoff coverage and Super Bowl LXI in New Orleans in 2025. While his post-playing career is just getting started, it’s clear Kelce is still very much a part of the football world, both on and off the field.
