Jason Kelce opens up about inspiration to launch late-night show with ESPN

Jason Kelce spoke about the inspiration for his upcoming ESPN series, "They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce" in the latest episode of the New Heights podcast. The former Philadelphia Eagles center shared how his love for live music and the NFL locker room camaraderie is the main reason why he signed up for the gig.

"I was trying to figure out what to do now that I'm retired, and I thought it'd be fun," Kelce said. "So, honestly, the way I thought about it is ... I thought it'd be fun to have live music and to do something in front of a live setting of people, okay? And I was like, What has that? I was like, Oh, yeah, late-night shows have that."

"Because when I think of the NFL, I think of those old, iconic NFL songs that just make you feel like you're in the middle of football, right? And I thought it'd be cool to have a band play some of that music to celebrate the game," he continued.

"Everybody says what you miss when you retire is being around the guys. It could not be more true. Like, you miss the locker room so much. I think this is a fun way, once a week for five weeks."

As rightfully pointed out by Jason Kelce, "They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce" the show will have a live band for performing iconic NFL-themed music. To amp up, Kelce further revealed how former NFL players, head coaches and current players will be invited on the show in a panel format.

Jason Kelce reveals how Jimmy Kimmel is helping him to step into uncharted territory with his upcoming ESPN late-night show

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As Jason Kelce is set to start his late-night TV show on January 3, 2025, the former Eagles center also shared how veteran host Jimmy Kimmel has been giving him a masterclass in late-night hosting.

"Jimmy was the man, offered tons of advice, got to follow him around all day," Kelce said. “Get all the ins and outs of how to run a late-night show, how you talk into the camera, how you choose topics, how you prepare.”

Chiming in, Jason's younger brother and Chiefs TE, Travis Kelce, praised Kimmel’s expertise saying:

"Got to got the pleasure of meeting Jimmy over the summer, man. What a guy. Great dude, and you could tell he's one of the best in the business for a reason, man."

That said, Jason's new show will coincide with the NFL postseason. So, he will juggle his new role with his Monday Night Countdown duties.