Move over Jimmy Kimmel, there’s a new late-night talker in town — in Philadelphia, that is.
Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce announced that he will host “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce” on ESPN during an appearance on Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
The Super Bowl champion said the hour-long show will be filmed in front of a live audience from Union Transfer in Philadelphia. It’ll be taped for five weeks straight on Friday nights beginning Jan. 3, which coincides with the final week of the NFL’s regular season and playoffs.
The first four episodes will air at 1:00 a.m. EST starting Jan. 4 with the final episode at 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 1, according to ESPN.
“I loved late-night shows, I’ve always loved them. I remember sleepovers watching Conan O’Brien with my friends,” Kelce said on Kimmel’s show. “We’re going to have a bunch of guys up there – legends of the game, friends that I played with, coaches, celebrities.”
The show’s title is a call back to NFL Films’ first full-length film, “They Call it Pro Football,” which was released in 1967. Its filming location also pays homage to the film, as NFL Films originated in Philadelphia, according to ESPN.
Kelce confirmed that the Philadelphia-based band Snacktime will provide the show’s music.
“It’s going to be a celebration,” he said.
Each episode of his show will have repeat airings on ESPN2 and will also be available on ESPN+ and ESPN’s and Kelce’s YouTube channels, ESPN said.
The former football center is currently in the first year of a multiyear agreement with the network. He appears on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” show, providing halftime and postgame analysis.
He played for the Eagles for 13 years before retiring at the end of last season and was the most sought-after former player by networks, according to ESPN. He earned his first and only Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2018.
Kelce and his brother, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, host the hit “New Heights” podcast that recently scored a $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondry.
