Jason Kelce is bringing a touch of French flair back from the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Making his ESPN debut on NFL Countdown on Thursday, August 1, Kelce sported a stylish beret, reminiscent of the one he frequently wore during his time at the Summer Games.
The former Philadelphia Eagles center joined the panel alongside Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, and Marcus Spears, ahead of the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
His debut was marked by his unique fashion choice, which didn’t go unnoticed by his co-hosts.
“We welcome you to the group, man! I wasn’t sure if you’d wear a tie, I did not know you were going to rock the beret fresh off the plane [from] the Olympics…” Van Pelt remarked to Kelce during the special edition of NFL Countdown, as seen in a clip shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Kelce responded with a grin, “I’m still on Paris time, so I [felt] I’d go with the Paris headdress.”
Adding to the banter, Clark humorously noted, “Also what we found out, because it’s TV and he’s now become a different sort of professional, he also wears underwear…” Kelce, continuing the joke, replied, “Yeah, it’s new! It’s a gray suit … if I’m not wearing it, it’s risky!” referencing his earlier comments about forgoing undergarments.
Kelce’s debut on ESPN follows his retirement announcement from the Eagles in March after 13 illustrious seasons. In April, it was revealed that he would be joining ESPN for their Monday Night Football broadcasts.
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While in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, Kelce and his wife Kylie were seen mingling with the Team USA rugby team on Sunday, July 28.
The NFL star even took on Nicole Heavirland in an arm wrestling challenge, which he won, but not without some controversy. As he visited the team’s locker room after their victory over Brazil, a video on Instagram captured his wife Kylie shouting, “He’s gonna cheat!” in the background. Heavirland humorously captioned the clip, “@jason.kelce holding on to that table a little bit? ?”
“I tried to warn you!” Kylie commented, as Kelce defended himself, saying, “Holding onto something with your off hand is completely within the rules of the International Federation of Arm Wrestling.”
In another memorable moment, Kelce was named the unofficial mascot of Team USA women’s rugby by player Ilona Maher in a TikTok clip. Later, on July 30, Kelce proudly revealed a new shirt adorned with photos of Maher’s face, shared on the New Heights podcast’s X account, which he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce.
Kelce’s playful spirit and charismatic presence, both on and off the field, have made his transition to television seamless. His infectious personality and ability to engage with fans and fellow athletes alike continue to endear him to audiences, ensuring that his post-NFL career will be just as impactful as his time on the gridiron.
