CELEBRITY
“Turns out, it was a short retirement!”
ESPN has signed Super Bowl Champion Jason Kelce to a multi-year contract, making him an analyst on the company’s signature programming centered on prime NFL telecasts.
The 13-year NFL veteran hosts Monday Night Countdown (6-8 p.m. ET) every week, leading up to Monday Night Football during the regular season and ESPN’s Super Wild Card and Divisional Round playoff games. Kelce will appear at halftime during each Monday Night Football and ESPN playoff game, with Scott Van Pelt and Ryan Clark.
The six-time NFL All-Pro will also join ESPN’s Super Bowl studio coverage each year, beginning with Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles (February, 2027), when America’s Biggest Game will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Additional playoff studio visits will be made yearly, including during the NFL’s Conference Championship weekend. Additional opportunities will be explored.
“Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans,” said ESPN President of Content Burke Magnus. “Walking off the field and straight to ESPN, fans will benefit from his viewpoint, developed by his years as an established locker room leader and potential Hall of Fame center. Jason’s arrival to Monday Night Countdown will significantly improve our NFL coverage.”
Jason Kelce added: “Turns out, it was a short retirement! I’m excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team. 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 for Monday Night Countdown. The three former players competed in the NFL for more than 30 seasons, winning multiple Super Bowls and receiving numerous awards.
Van Pelt was selected host of the Monday Night Football pregame program ahead to the 2023 season, adding to his already impressive resume that includes presenting the renowned SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt and major tournaments such as the Masters and the PGA Championship.
Adam Schefter will continue to contribute to the show as the industry’s preeminent NFL insider, while Michelle Beisner-Buck will provide viewers with in-depth storytelling through interviews and segments.