Jason Kelce, the former NFL center, is set to make a splash in the world of late-night TV hosting with his new limited-run show on ESPN. Titled “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” the program will air on five consecutive overnights leading into late-season NFL football weekends. Starting on January 4 at 1 a.m., each one-hour episode will originate from Philadelphia, where Kelce played for 13 seasons, and will be filmed in front of a live audience at Union Transfer.
While it remains to be seen if ESPN has long-term plans for Kelce in the late-night slot, the show is something that the charismatic former football player was eager to try out when he joined the network earlier this year. Known for his on-field skills as well as his larger-than-life personality, Kelce has already dabbled in hosting with his popular podcast “New Heights” alongside his brother Travis, and has made appearances on shows like WWE’s WrestleMania.
Kelce’s late-night venture will offer a unique blend of sports and entertainment, with live music from the Philadelphia band Snacktime, analysis of upcoming games, and fan participation at the venue. Scheduled to coincide with key NFL playoff weekends, the show aims to attract a younger audience to the world of football.
In terms of distribution, ESPN will broadcast the original episodes of “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” with replays available on ESPN2 and online platforms like ESPN+ and YouTube. Produced in collaboration with NFL Films, Kelce’s Wooderboy Productions, and Skydance Sports, the show pays homage to the history of football on television with its title reminiscent of the iconic “They Call It Pro Football” documentary.
As Kelce takes on this new challenge in the late-night landscape, only time will tell if his show will earn a place in the annals of sports television history like its predecessors. But for now, fans can look forward to a fresh and entertaining take on late-night TV from one of the NFL’s most beloved personalities.
