ESPN is gearing up for a fresh transformation of its Monday Night Football pregame ambiance. Following a significant revamp led by Scott Van Pelt last season, the lineup might see further changes. And former QB Robert Griffin III’s position hanging in the balance. Kelce’s allure extends beyond ESPN, with NBC, CBS, and Amazon Prime Video all vying for the seasoned athlete’s insights.
According to The Athletic, ESPN has set its sights on the recently hung-up boots of the Philadelphia Eagles’ stalwart center for its MNF pregame show roster. And it’s not like he doesn’t have prior hosting experience.
Jason Kelce to enter a new career as a sports commentator?
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Wrapping up an illustrious 13-season run in the NFL, Kelce’s journey saw him not missing a beat in all 193 games he graced. He made his mark beyond the gridiron, notably lighting up the Saturday Night Live stage during his brother’s hosting gig. And he also runs a wildly popular podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce.
USA Today via Reuters 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
Apparently, ESPN “is aggressively pursuing retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce for Monday nights.” With ESPN in the mix, CBS is also on the lookout for fresh faces for The NFL Today, amidst several analysts’ contracts winding down. Some of the analysts who are up for renewal are Phil Simms, Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson, and Boomer Esiason. There’s no news on that front as of now.
But why are they hunting for a new face when they already have RG3?
Why is ESPN moving on from RG3?
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Another heavyweight rumored to transition from play-calling to punditry is Bill Belichick. However, the HC has signaled a reluctance to join the regular studio show circuit. In another twist, ESPN might also team up with Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and NFL Films to carve out a unique broadcasting niche for Belichick.
USA Today via Reuters Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Griffin III once heralded as a burgeoning talent at ESPN, finds his own stardom dimming. Post-NFL, Griffin III impressed in auditions with Fox Sports and ESPN, ultimately choosing the latter. At ESPN, he’s been a regular on shows like Get Up and lent his voice to college football commentary.
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However, recent additions like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman have brought new vigor to the broadcast, alongside the Manning brothers’ alt-cast, which has quickly become a fan favorite. As part of its ongoing evolution, ESPN is keen to elevate Van Pelt’s pregame show to unprecedented heights, with Kelce potentially at the helm of this new chapter.
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Is Jason Kelce Replacing Robert Griffin III on ESPN MNF? Diving Deep Into Eagles Legend’s Reported New Career
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