Kelce, 37, hung up his cleats in March 2024 after a storied 13-year NFL career, which included a Super Bowl title, six All-Pro selections, and seven Pro Bowl nods. But retirement hasn’t slowed him down. Joining ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown crew alongside Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, and Marcus Spears, Kelce quickly became a fan favorite for his sharp insights, infectious energy, and unfiltered Philly charm. His ability to break down plays with the same intensity he brought to the offensive line has resonated with viewers, earning him a spot among the industry’s rising stars.

Adding to his on-air portfolio, Kelce launched They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce in January 2025, a weekly ESPN show filmed in Philadelphia. Featuring guests like Charles Barkley, Jimmy Kimmel, and his wife, Kylie Kelce, as the announcer, the show leaned into Kelce’s larger-than-life personality. Though its 1 a.m. slot drew modest ratings—around 290,000 viewers for the premiere—it showcased his versatility, blending football talk with humor and Philly flair.

The nomination pits Kelce against heavyweights like Nick Saban (College GameDay), Jay Wright (CBS/TNT), Ryan Fitzpatrick (Prime Video), and Richard Sherman (Prime Video). “Gotta add Emmy nominee to your resume now🔥,” posted the X account for New Heights, the popular podcast Kelce co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce, capturing the excitement of fans.

This isn’t Kelce’s first brush with Emmy glory. In 2024, his Prime Video documentary, Kelce, scored two nominations at the 45th Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Long Documentary and Outstanding Editing. The film, which chronicled his 2022 season and the emotional Super Bowl LVII matchup against Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs, offered an intimate look at his balance of football and family. While it didn’t win, the nods signaled Kelce’s storytelling prowess beyond the gridiron.

Now, his solo nomination marks a milestone. “Jason’s authenticity shines through,” said ESPN analyst Adam Schefter on X. “He’s not just reciting lines—he’s living the game, and viewers feel it.” Kelce’s hands-on approach, from diving into film analysis to engaging with fans at live events, has set him apart in a crowded field of ex-athletes turned broadcasters.

Not everyone was sold on Kelce’s TV debut. His late-night show faced criticism for feeling “scripted” and “awkward” in its early moments, with some X users calling it “painfully unfunny.” One viewer posted, “ESPN’s trying to make Kelce a comedian, and it’s not landing.” Yet, supporters countered that his raw football breakdowns were gold. “When Jason talks ball, it’s electric,” another fan wrote. “Give him time—the rest will click.”