Report: Jason Kelce in Talks for ESPN Late Night Show Featuring Celebrities and Athletes for a Unique Spin | NFL News

Jason Kelcethe former Philadelphia Eagles center and co-host of the popular “New Heights” podcast, may be moving into the role of late-night host. Reports from Puck indicate that discussions have begun between Kelce and ESPN about developing a late night show. The details are still being worked out, but early signs point to a format that showcases athletes and celebrities in a traditional late-night setting, rather than focusing solely on sports highlights.
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Jason Kelce may host the ESPN late night show

This potential show is being positioned as a collaboration between NFL Films and ESPN and is scheduled to air on five consecutive Friday nights in January. The concept aims to create engaging content that is likely to generate viral clips for social media platforms, a goal that has been emphasized by ESPN's current strategy. If the show goes well, it could become a permanent fixture on the network.
Kelce's move into media comes following his retirement from the NFL in March 2024 after an impressive 13-year career with the Eagles. Since leaving the field, he has taken on the role of analyst for ESPN's “Monday Night Countdown,” signaling a clear commitment to his new career path. The network announced in May that Kelce had signed a multi-year contract worth nearly $2 million. This financial commitment underscores ESPN's belief in Kelce's potential to resonate with viewers offstage.

The idea of ​​combining sports and entertainment in a late-night format isn't entirely new, but Kelce's unique perspective as a former player could bring a refreshing twist to the genre. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, networks are increasingly recognizing the value of personalities like Kelce who can interact with fans both on and off the field. The aim is to capitalize on the growing trend towards content that resonates on social media – a shift that is extremely important in today's media landscape.
Additionally, Kelce's media journey has recently gained momentum with his podcast New Heights, which he co-hosts with his brother Travis Kelce. In August, the Kelce brothers secured a significant deal worth an estimated $100 million with Amazon-owned podcast studio Wondery for the rights to their show.
As Jason Kelce prepares for his upcoming appearances on ESPN's Monday Night Football, starting with the Week 9 game between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, fans are eagerly awaiting his potential foray into the world of late-night television. If successful, this new venture could solidify Kelce's status as a versatile media personality.
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