Jason Kelce officially confirmed he will join ESPN for its “Monday Night Countdown” pregame show during the 2024 NFL season.
The big news was announced at the Disney Advertising Upfront in New York City on Tuesday, May 14. As Kelce walked on stage, he excitedly bear-hugged Abbott Elementary creator and actress Quinta Brunson, while his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, quarterback Jalen Hurts, laughed.
“My brother and I grew up watching” Monday Night Football (MNF), the 36-year-old retired NFL center said at the event. He later joked that it would be a “game-time decision” whether he would wear a suit for his new gig or go shirtless.
On April 29, The Athletic reported that Kelce would join ESPN’s MFN team.
Jason Kelce takes the stage at the Disney Advertising Upfront in New York City on Tuesday, May 14, Parade
Kelce will join Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter and Michelle Beisner-Buck for “Monday Night Countdown.” On top of his “Countdown” duties, the retired NFL player will join Clark and Van Pelt during the halftime break. The multi-year deal also has him working ESPN’s Super Bowl LXI coverage in 2027.
“Turns out, it was a short retirement!” Kelce said in a statement. “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.”