Network executives at ESPN have been in conversation with Jason Kelce about maintaining neutrality in his coverage, particularly around his habit of using "we" when discussing the Philadelphia Eagles — a franchise where he played out all 13 seasons of his NFL career. Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, Kelce moved into broadcasting and took on an analyst role at ESPN.
Broadcasting work came to occupy a notable portion of his post-playing life, with duties at NFL Network placing him in the color commentary booth for NFL International Series games. Kelce also shares hosting duties with his younger sibling Travis on their joint podcast venture, New Heights, which is backed by a reported $100 million agreement.
ESPN producer Jeff Dufine, who has worked at the network for many years, told a broadcaster that efforts had been made to steer Kelce away from using "we" when speaking about the Eagles — a habit that had drawn repeated internal notice. Among the International Series matchups that season, one placed the Eagles on the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game Philadelphia did not win.
With eight seconds remaining in that contest, quarterback Jalen Hurts directed a late possession that ended with a field goal, putting Philadelphia in front during a game that had traded leads throughout. Head coach Nick Sirianni's decision to have his kicker send the ball deep without attempting to pin the returner gave Jacksonville's Cam Little the opportunity to attempt a game-ending field goal — one he converted to hand the Jaguars the victory.
Kelce's use of "we" in reference to the Eagles drew no apparent backlash from viewers, and ESPN pointed to an ongoing role for him in its broadcasting lineup. Dufine noted that Kelce's ability to read the game made it straightforward for staff to ask him to share what he was observing so they could provide support throughout — a dynamic that came into focus after Kelce offered an on-air apology during Monday Night Football's halftime segment covering the Eagles-Bears matchup, having repeatedly used the word "we."
At halftime of that game, Kelce described his physical state as reasonably positive. The Eagles' offense had moved into a productive rhythm throughout the match, with scoring chances presenting themselves. The team acknowledged making an error that set things back, though some progress had since been recorded. The ground attack delivered solid production throughout the contest, and Hurts's passing had looked accurate throughout.
Kelce voiced a sense that the opposing team had built momentum heading into the half — a remark his ESPN broadcast partner Pat McAfee flagged as characteristic Philadelphia-leaning language, prompting Kelce to walk the comment back with a brief apology. The outcome left Chicago's supporters with little cause for celebration.
