Quick Read
- Jason Kelce and ESPN mutually agreed not to continue his late-night show, “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” for a second season in 2026.
- The decision is a strategic pivot, allowing Kelce to pursue other creative opportunities and dedicate more time to family.
- Kelce will remain with ESPN as an analyst for “Monday Night Countdown” and take on a new role as an on-ice correspondent for the NHL Stadium Series.
- His new NHL role, called the “Best Seat in the House,” debuts on February 1, 2026, during the Bruins vs. Lightning game at Raymond James Stadium.
- Kelce continues to co-host the successful “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce.
PHILADELPHIA (Azat TV) – Jason Kelce, the charismatic former Philadelphia Eagles center, and ESPN have mutually agreed not to move forward with a second season of his late-night program, They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, in 2026. This strategic pivot, reported on Thursday, January 29, 2026, allows Kelce to explore other creative opportunities while he simultaneously steps into a high-profile new role as an on-ice correspondent for ESPN’s NHL Stadium Series, marking a significant evolution in his burgeoning post-NFL media career.
Kelce, who retired from professional football in March 2024 after a legendary 13-year career, quickly transitioned into a prominent media personality. His late-night show, which debuted during the 2025 season, aimed to blend traditional football analysis with sketch comedy and celebrity interviews in front of a live audience. While the series garnered attention for its unique charm, its conclusion is described not as a cancellation due to performance, but as a strategic decision.
Jason Kelce Pivots from Late Night Show
According to Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing, who broke the news on his X account, the decision for Kelce and ESPN to part ways on the late-night venture was a mutual one. Neumann emphasized that the show was not ‘canceled’ in the traditional sense, but rather that Kelce opted not to pursue a second season. This choice is reportedly driven by a desire to free up his offseason schedule, allowing him to explore a wider range of creative projects and dedicate more time to his family and personal life.
Despite the end of They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce, his relationship with ESPN remains strong. Kelce will continue his established roles as an analyst for Monday Night Countdown and, significantly, will now expand his presence with the network into hockey coverage. This ongoing partnership underscores ESPN’s commitment to leveraging Kelce’s unique appeal across different sports and formats.
New Role: On the Ice for NHL Stadium Series
As one door closes, another opens with Kelce taking on a dynamic new role for the upcoming NHL Stadium Series. ESPN is calling his new segment the “Best Seat in the House,” which will feature Kelce stationed right at ice level, providing fans with an up-close perspective of the game and conducting interviews with players. His past experience as a professional athlete is expected to offer a unique lens through which to view the fast-paced action of hockey.
This experimental broadcast is set to feature advanced production elements, including aerial views, Skycams, on-ice skatecams, and referee-mounted cameras, promising a highly immersive experience. ESPN plans to rotate various celebrity guests to join Kelce for interviews throughout the games. The inaugural broadcast for Kelce in this new capacity is scheduled for February 1, 2026, when the Boston Bruins face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The location holds particular significance, as Raymond James Stadium was the site of Kelce’s final NFL game before his retirement. His connection to hockey runs deep; he was a high school player, scoring 21 goals in his senior year, and became a regular at Philadelphia Flyers games after moving to the city. This genuine passion and knowledge, combined with his large personality, make him a compelling fit for this new venture.
Kelce’s Expanding Media Empire
Since retiring from the NFL, Jason Kelce has maintained an incredibly busy schedule. Beyond his commitments with ESPN, he continues to co-host the immensely popular New Heights podcast alongside his brother, Travis Kelce. The podcast has become a cultural phenomenon, with its merchandise even featured on giant billboards in Times Square. His strategic media moves, including this latest pivot at ESPN, solidify his position as one of the most recognizable and influential figures in sports broadcasting and entertainment.
Kelce’s decision to shift away from a traditional late-night format towards more flexible and specialized roles, like his NHL correspondent position, reflects a strategic approach to maintaining relevance and expanding his brand. By leveraging his authentic passion for sports and his proven ability to connect with audiences, he is successfully navigating the evolving landscape of sports media, prioritizing diverse creative opportunities and personal balance over a singular, demanding television commitment.