Jason Kelce’s appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on November 21, 2024, was one of the most highly anticipated post-retirement interviews for the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center. Fans expected a few laughs and some reflection on his storied NFL career, but what they got was a bombshell announcement that immediately set a new course for the future of late-night television. Kelce didn't just confirm his next move; he unveiled a completely new persona: a late-night talk show host, complete with a hilarious, pantsless skit with Kimmel himself.
This interview was a pivotal moment, officially transitioning Kelce from football icon to media mogul. It provided the first official details about his new ESPN venture, *They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce*, and offered a peek into the mentorship he’s receiving from one of the industry's biggest names. From the surprising details of his new show to the candid advice he received, the segment was packed with fresh, unique, and unforgettable moments.
Jason Kelce: A Complete Biography and Career Profile
Jason Daniel Kelce is one of the most beloved and decorated centers in NFL history. His career, defined by passion, unfiltered emotion, and extraordinary durability, made him a cultural icon far beyond the city of Philadelphia.
- Full Name: Jason Daniel Kelce
- Born: November 5, 1987 (Age: 38 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
- College: University of Cincinnati (Walk-on to All-Conference)
- NFL Draft: 2011, 6th Round (193rd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles
- NFL Career: 13 Seasons (2011–2024), all with the Philadelphia Eagles
- Position: Center
- Key Achievements: Super Bowl LII Champion, 7x Pro Bowl selection, 6x First-team All-Pro.
- Family: Married to Kylie Kelce, older brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce.
- Post-Retirement Ventures: Co-host of the chart-topping *New Heights* podcast with Travis Kelce.
The Late-Night Summit: Jimmy Kimmel's Hilarious and Candid Advice
The core of Jason Kelce’s appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* was the official announcement of his new show, but the most viral moment centered on a pre-taped skit featuring the host. The segment was a comedic masterclass that highlighted Kelce’s self-deprecating humor and Kimmel’s veteran status in the late-night landscape.
The 'Pantsless Portal' Skit
Rather than a simple, formal announcement, the news was delivered through a sketch where Kelce walked through a magical portal, a visual metaphor for his career transition. He emerged into Jimmy Kimmel’s office, only to find the seasoned host sitting behind his desk, wearing a button-down shirt, but notably, no pants. The gag was a lighthearted nod to the often-hidden realities of television production and the casual nature of the late-night world.
During the skit, Kimmel—playing the role of the reluctant mentor—offered Kelce a series of satirical and genuinely helpful pieces of advice for hosting a talk show. This interaction served multiple purposes: it provided a clear narrative link between the established late-night guard and the new arrival, and it instantly gave Kelce the comedic stamp of approval from a giant of the genre. Kelce later confirmed on the *New Heights* podcast that Kimmel had offered him "tons of advice" ahead of his new venture, suggesting the on-screen skit was rooted in a genuine mentorship.
The Kimmel segment perfectly captured the essence of Kelce's appeal: a willingness to embrace the absurd while maintaining his authentic, down-to-earth persona. It was a strategic, high-profile launch that generated massive buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets.
The Bombshell Announcement: They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce
The primary reason for the interview was to formalize the rumors surrounding Jason Kelce’s next career chapter. He confirmed that he would be hosting a new, sport-centric late-night talk show on ESPN, titled *They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce*.
Key Details of Kelce’s New ESPN Show
The announcement provided specific, fresh details that immediately established the show's format and scope, giving fans and media analysts a clear picture of what to expect in early 2025.
- Show Title: *They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce*
- Network: ESPN (The show will also be available on ESPN+ and ESPN YouTube)
- Premiere Date: The show is set to debut in early January 2025, with some sources citing January 3rd or 4th.
- Format: It will be a one-hour, sports-focused talk show.
- Production: The show was developed in collaboration with Wooderboy Productions, Skydance Sports, ESPN, and NFL Films, highlighting a major investment in the project.
- Taping Schedule: The initial run involves taping five straight Friday nights, giving the show a limited, high-impact schedule to start.
Kelce’s move into the late-night space is groundbreaking for a recently retired NFL player. He cited his lifelong love for the format, specifically mentioning his admiration for Conan O’Brien, whose work he watched during sleepovers with friends. This inspiration suggests the show will likely lean into the irreverent, energetic, and slightly chaotic style that Kelce has perfected on the *New Heights* podcast.
The Crazed Fan Incident Outside the Studio
The high-profile nature of the *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* appearance wasn't confined to the studio. A separate, unexpected incident occurred as Jason Kelce was leaving the set, which quickly became a viral news story and added another layer of real-world drama to his media tour.
As Kelce was exiting the building, he was approached by a highly agitated fan demanding an autograph. When Kelce politely declined, the fan erupted, swearing, yelling, and insulting the former Eagles star. Kelce, ever the professional, handled the intense interaction with calm and composure, choosing to walk away rather than engage with the heckler. This moment, captured on video, provided a stark contrast to the controlled environment of the television studio, reminding fans of the intense level of public scrutiny and demand that now follows the Kelce family.
Topical Authority and Future Outlook
Jason Kelce’s transition is a masterclass in leveraging a powerful personal brand. By choosing *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* for his announcement, he aligned himself with an established late-night entity, immediately legitimizing his new venture. The combination of his football legacy with the massive audience of the *New Heights* podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Travis Kelce, creates a multi-platform media powerhouse. His new show, *They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce*, is positioned to capitalize on the intersection of sports, celebrity culture, and late-night comedy, a niche that ESPN is clearly eager to dominate. The late-night TV landscape is officially changing, and the former Eagles center is at the forefront of the revolution.
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