Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce, renowned for his remarkable NFL career, has announced his retirement, sparking significant interest from four major TV networks. Kelce, who concluded his impressive 13-year tenure at Lincoln Financial Field, distinguished himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in recent memory. The 36-year-old, boasting six first-team All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl victory in 2018, bid an emotional farewell following the Eagles’ playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite bidding adieu to the gridiron, Kelce’s association with football appears far from over, as top TV networks, including ESPN, NBC, CBS, and Amazon Prime Video, vie for his broadcasting talents. ESPN, in particular, has aggressively pursued Kelce, eyeing him for a role in its Monday Night Football coverage, potentially replacing former quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Alongside his brother, Kansas City Chiefs standout Travis Kelce, Jason has endeared himself to fans across America, thanks in part to their successful “New Heights” podcast and Travis’s high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift.
While Kelce made a cameo on Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football last season, ESPN seems inclined to utilize his expertise and charisma in a studio analysis capacity rather than as a color commentator.
The prospect of Kelce’s TV career coincides with newfound Eagles recruit Saquon Barkley expressing his eagerness to join the team. Barkley, formerly of the New York Giants, conveyed his excitement about the fresh start in Philadelphia on “New Heights.” In response to Kelce’s retirement, Barkley subtly hinted at his desire for the future Hall of Famer to reconsider his decision.
Kelce, however, remains steadfast in his retirement choice, despite acknowledging the allure of playing alongside Barkley. While he jests about the timing of Barkley’s arrival coinciding with his retirement, Kelce seems resolute in his decision, ready to embrace the next chapter beyond the playing field.