Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks off the field after overtime win against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Kelce joins ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Countdown’ crew

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce made his latest roster move official, joining the ESPN family on Tuesday.

Kelce, who retired in March after 13 NFL seasons, will be part of the “Monday Night Countdown” crew.

“Turns out, it was a short retirement! I’m excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team,” said Kelce, 36. “ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports. To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment. And, I mean it’s freaking Monday Night Football! and I’m ready for some football.”

Kelce joins Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter and Michelle Beisner-Buck on the team.

“Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans,” ESPN president of content Burke Magnus said. “Walking off the field and immediately to ESPN, viewers will benefit from his perspective which has been shaped through his years as an established locker room leader and a future Hall of Fame center. Jason’s addition to Monday Night Countdown will greatly strengthen our NFL coverage.”

Kelce’s services were also reportedly sought by CBS, NBC and Amazon.

Drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) in 2011, Kelce became a Super Bowl LII champion and one of the most durable, decorated and respected centers in NFL history — and one of the league’s most passionate players.

The six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection started 205 games for the Eagles, including the postseason.

Kelce is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. The siblings have a popular podcast called “New Heights.”

–Field Level Media

Mar 30, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce reacts before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Kelce joining ESPN’s ‘MNF’ pregame show

Recently retired Jason Kelce is joining ESPN this fall to be part of its “Monday Night Countdown” pregame show, The Athletic reported Monday.

Kelce announced his retirement early last month after 13 seasons as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce was sought after by CBS, NBC and Amazon, per the report. CBS was interested in Kelce for its “NFL Today” show, per the report.

Drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) in 2011, Kelce became a Super Bowl LII champion and one of the most durable, decorated and respected centers in NFL history — and one of the league’s most passionate players.

The six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection started 205 games for the Eagles, including the postseason.

Kelce, 36, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. The siblings have a popular podcast called “New Heights.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks off the field after overtime win against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles C Jason Kelce retires after 13 seasons

A tearful Jason Kelce announced his retirement Monday after 13 seasons as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection started 205 games for the Eagles, including the postseason.

Drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) in 2011, Kelce became a Super Bowl LII champion and one of the most durable, decorated and respected centers in NFL history — and one of the league’s most passionate players.

He had trouble holding back those emotions from the outset of Monday’s press conference in Philadelphia.

“Not a good start,” said Kelce, who repeatedly fought through tears during a speech that lasted 45 minutes.

“I’ve been asked many times why did I choose football — what drew me to the game — and I never have an answer that gets it right,” Kelce said. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it.

“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”

Kelce had not missed a start since Week 8 of the 2014 season, a franchise-record streak of 156 consecutive regular season games. His 193 career regular season starts rank second in Eagles history behind longtime teammate and defensive end Brandon Graham (195).

Kelce blocked for NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy in 2013. More recently, he was a driving force for the wildly successful “tush push” with quarterback Jalen Hurts in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He played for head coaches Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni.

“It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city,” Kelce said. “I couldn’t have dreamt a better one if I tried.”

The other four centers in NFL history with at least six All-Pro selections are all in the Hall of Fame: Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermontti Dawson and Jim Ringo.

Kelce, 36, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce.

The siblings have a popular podcast and a broadcasting career is a potential next step for Jason Kelce. “Multiple” networks courted him ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, according to ESPN.

–Field Level Media

Chiefs coach Andy Reid celebrates on the podium with tight end Travis Kelce, left, after Kansas City defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl 57 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Feb. 12, 2023.

Travis Kelce: Actions toward Andy Reid ‘unacceptable’

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said it was “definitely unacceptable” that he bumped into head coach Andy Reid on the sideline during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday in Las Vegas.

“I can’t get that fired up to the point where bumping Coach and it’s getting him off balance and stuff,” Kelce told his brother, Jason, said on his “New Heights” podcast.

“When he stumbled, I was like: ‘Aw (expletive),’ in my head,” Kelce added.

Jason Kelce, who played two seasons under Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles, said his brother had “crossed the line.”

“The yelling in his face, too, was over the top,” Jason Kelce said. “I think there are better ways to handle this, retrospectively.”

Travis Kelce’s outburst was in response to being taken off the field with Kansas City driving for a potential score. The Chiefs fumbled the ball on that play, leading to the tight end making contact with Reid and screaming at the 65-year-old coach before running back Jerick McKinnon intervened.

Travis Kelce, 34, said on his podcast that Reid would have had every right to respond with physicality if he chose to do so.

“I deserve it,” the nine-time Pro Bowl selection said. “If he would have cold-cocked me in the face right there, I would have just ate it. I would have been like: ‘Let’s (expletive) go.’”

Reid took the high road after the game, saying he loved Kelce’s passion.

Travis Kelce recorded nine catches for 93 yards in the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) thanks the fans as he leaves the field after a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Eagles C Jason Kelce tells teammates he’s retiring

Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce told his teammates that he is retiring after 13 NFL seasons, ESPN reported Tuesday morning.

The news comes on the heels of the Eagles’ unceremonious exit from the postseason, a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC wild-card game on Monday night.

Kelce, 36 and a five-time All-Pro, declined to talk with reporters after the game, but Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson said Kelce has hinted to his teammates that this would be his last season, ESPN reported.

“I love him. He’s one of the best to ever play the game,” Johnson said. “The things he can do on the football field athletically — I don’t think we’ll see another one like him for a long time.”

“He’s special, and I love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said of Kelce. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around.”

Kelce has spent his entire career with the Eagles, who selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was a member of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LII championship team.

The seven-time Pro Bowl selection has started all 193 games in which he has played during the regular season and all 12 in the postseason.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles rolling, served shot at revenge vs. Chiefs in SB rematch

Whether you call it the Andy Reid Bowl, the Kelce Clash or perhaps Super Bowl 57.5, fireworks are expected when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Monday night showdown.

Both teams are coming off bye weeks. The Eagles (8-1) sport the best record in the NFL. The Chiefs (7-2) have the best record in the AFC and have swept the last four meetings, including 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

It has been one of the season’s most anticipated matchups since schedules were released in May, and neither side has done anything to dampen the enthusiasm.

Reid is the winningest head coach in the history of both franchises, logging 140 victories (including playoffs) for the Eagles from 1999-2012 and 136 since taking over the Chiefs in 2013.

Both quarterbacks shined when these teams clashed in the Super Bowl nine months ago in Glendale, Ariz. Patrick Mahomes, playing on an injured ankle, threw two of his three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and set up the winning field goal with a gutsy 26-yard scramble. He won his second Super Bowl MVP award.

Jalen Hurts was just as effective. He completed 27 of 38 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown and rushed 70 yards for three touchdowns. He used his legs to pick up the game-tying score — and the two-point conversion — with 5:15 remaining.

Both are in the MVP conversation again this season. Hurts has completed a career-high 68.9 percent of his passes for 2,347 yards with 15 touchdowns but also eight interceptions. He has seven rushing scores, most courtesy of the much discussed “Brotherly Shove.”

“I’m a big fan of his,” Reid said Thursday about Hurts. “He’s a really good football player. He can throw the ball. He can run the ball. …. He always seems to be in control.”

Philadelphia’s biggest weakness is a spotty secondary that likely has Mahomes licking his chops. Only the Chicago Bears (20) and Washington Commanders (21) have allowed more touchdown passes than the Eagles with 19. The team ranks 28th in the NFL against the pass, allowing 257.0 yards per game.

Mahomes is on pace for another strong year with 2,442 yards and 17 touchdowns but has also thrown eight picks. He bounced back from a Week 8 loss at Denver when he was under the weather to take down the Miami Dolphins in Week 9, tossing two TD passes in the first half and hanging on for a 21-14 win.

Mahomes is once again relying heavily on tight end Travis Kelce, who leads the team in catches (57) and receiving yards (597).

Including the Super Bowl, Kelce’s Chiefs are also 4-0 against older brother Jason Kelce, the longtime center for the Eagles.

“I’m motivated to win the game. I don’t need the Super Bowl to motivate me to beat my brother or Andy Reid,” Jason Kelce said Thursday. “I’ve never beat them in my career and I’m maybe motivated by that, but I don’t buy into Super Bowl revenge games.

“Each season is different. This team is not the same. That team is not the same. Nothing that goes out there and happens on Monday night is going to at all change or make anything different about what happened last year.”

The Eagles placed linebacker Nakobe Dean (foot) on injured reserve Thursday. Safety Justin Evans (knee) practiced in a limited capacity for Philadelphia, who listed cornerback Bradley Roby (shoulder) and guard/center Cam Jurgens (foot) as full participants.

Every player was a full participant in practice for the Chiefs on Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (right) and tight end Travis Kelce celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Travis Kelce to Ja’Marr Chase: Don’t disrespect Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce came to the defense of Patrick Mahomes after he felt his quarterback was disrespected by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Kelce said he understood Chase taking up for his own quarterback Joe Burrow when asked to name the best player in the NFL. Kelce, however, took issue with the wideout’s “Pat who?” comment this week on his “New Heights” podcast that he co-hosts with his brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.

“I thought it was a little bold,” Travis Kelce said. “(Mahomes) is a two-time league MVP, two-time Super Bowl MVP. To say ‘Pat who?’ is like I don’t know.”

“(A) little disrespectful,” Jason Kelce said.

“It is what it is, dog. Who doesn’t love some good locker room banter, man?” Travis Kelce said. “Shoutout to Ja’Marr Chase for holding it down for his QB, but don’t you ever disrespect Pat Mahomes, now. If you wanna talk your (expletive), talk your (expletive), pimp. Just better back it up.”

Mahomes took to social media recently to tweet a picture of himself wearing two Super Bowl rings at the Chiefs’ ring ceremony on June 15. He answered Chase’s “question” in his own way: “That’s who.”

Burrow, 26, was an NFL MVP finalist last season after throwing for a franchise-record 35 touchdowns. Chase, 23, caught 87 passes for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns.

Mahomes, 27, led the NFL in passing yards (5,250) and touchdowns (41) last season. He also got the better of Burrow and the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game before leading the Chiefs to a 38-35 win over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks on the field after losing Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles C Jason Kelce agrees to one-year contract

All-Pro center Jason Kelce and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms on a one-year contract on Tuesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Eagles, however ESPN reported it was worth $14.25 million.

The move comes one day after the 35-year-old Kelce announced that he was returning for his 13th NFL season in 2023.

“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” Kelce posted Monday on Twitter. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t (expletive) done yet!”

Kelce has spent his entire career with the Eagles, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2011.

The five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection has started 176 games in the regular season and 11 games in the postseason, including a win in Super Bowl LII and a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and his brother, Travis Kelce, in Super Bowl LVII last month.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks on the field after losing Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles C Jason Kelce returning for another season

All-Pro center Jason Kelce announced Monday he is returning for his 13th NFL season in 2023.

The 35-year-old free agent is expected to re-sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” Kelce posted on Twitter. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t (expletive) done yet!”

Kelce has spent his entire career with the Eagles, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2011.

The five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection has started 176 games in the regular season and 11 games in the postseason, including a win in Super Bowl LII and a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and his brother, Travis Kelce, in Super Bowl LVII last month.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) talks with his brother Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) after Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce takes aim at brother, Patrick Mahomes on ‘SNL’

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had a little fun at the expense of his brother as well as teammate Patrick Mahomes during his opening monologue on “Saturday Night Live.”

The charismatic Kelce began his hosting gig by referencing his team’s 38-35 victory over older brother Jason Kelce’s Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Ariz.

“If you don’t know, I just won my second Super Bowl, which was amazing. But to me, hosting SNL is that much better baby,” Travis Kelce said before quickly reversing his field. “I’m lying to you all. I’m kidding. Winning the Super Bowl was way better.”

Travis Kelce, 33, then took aim at his quarterback — well, more to the point — Mahomes’ raspy voice.

He then focused on his brother Jason, who was seated in the front row alongside their parents, Ed and Donna.

“You know, people keep asking me what it was like to beat my brother in the Super Bowl, and it was pretty awkward,” Travis said. “Especially because after the game, we had to ride home together. Our mom drove us there in her minivan, just like the good old days.

“Even though his team lost after being up 10 points at half, my brother is actually really happy for me.”

The camera quickly cut to Jason Kelce, whose face told a different tale.

The Kelce brothers participated in a skit alongside “Saturday Night Live” regulars Chloe Fineman and Heidi Gardner. Travis Kelce volunteered a reference to his suspension from the University of Cincinnati in which the then-sophomore was disciplined for failing a drug test in 2010.

“So it just goes to show you, if you smoke weed and are bad at school, you can win the Super Bowl twice,” he said.

Travis Kelce is a four-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection in a 10-season career, all with Kansas City.

–Field Level Media