FAN FLAMES
Jason Kelce issues groveling apology for Monday Night Football appearance after brutal criticism about ex-Eagles star
Fans criticised ESPN's coverage for being too Philadelphia Eagles heavy
JASON Kelce has apologized to fans after ESPN's broadcast of Monday Night Football became very Eagles heavy.
The former Philadelphia Eagles lineman took center stage at Lincoln Financial Field for Monday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
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Kelce, 36, landed a role on ESPN Monday Night Football as an analyst.
Week 2 marked his return to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Eagles and was part of the team that won Super Bowl LII.
ESPN hosted Monday Night Countdown from outside the stadium among Eagles fans.
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Kelce then appeared on commentary during the third quarter of the game.
The Eagles heavy coverage led to criticism from some fans.
And Kelce admitted it went too far as he issued an apology.
Speaking on his New Heights podcast, Kelce said, "Atlanta had to deal with me for four hours before things got rough for the Eagles.
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"How crazy is it? The first time I’m back in the building I’m commenting on a game?
"Before the game, being out in the parking lot, the countdown, being up in the booth with Joe and Troy, it was really, really awesome for me.
Travis Kelce in stitches following brother Jason's chaotic analyst debut on ESPN as ex-NFL star laughs 'can I say that?'
So selfishly, I am just beyond happy that that was kind of how I get to remember my first time being in the Linc not as a player.
"At the same time, I fully understand why a bunch of Atlanta people hate my guts right now so I apologize."
The U.S. Sun revealed last week that Kelce has been a hit at ESPN for his work so far.
"Jason did amazing for his first show at MNF, and I can see that he will be a very, very good TV guy for many years to come," a well-placed source told The U.S. Sun.
"He was very comfortable, very good in front of the cameras and very funny and knowledgeable at the same time, which is the best combo you can get when you do TV like that."
'It was a short retirement!'
Jason Kelce didn't stay retired in the NFL for long.
The former Philadelphia Eagles lineman called it quits after the 2023 season.
But he will be part of ESPN's coverage on Monday Night Football in 2024.
Kelce will appear on Monday Night Countdown from 6pm-8pm ET every week as well as during the halftime show.
“Turns out, it was a short retirement!" he joked.
"ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports.
"To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment.
"And, I mean it’s freaking Monday Night Football! and I’m ready for some football."
"Jason came and greeted everyone in the crew, every worker and he was such a nice guy to be around," a crew member said.
"He is a normal human being in an industry that often has people being cold and playing a role.
"Jason spent some moments asking questions about production, about the camera angles, about many details and advices to other people, to see how he could fit the best way in the program.
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"He didn’t show up with a ‘legend status’ but like a guy who wants to enjoy the experience and be the best he can be, without taking too much attention.
"A lot of us are very excited to have him with us, and we are all very excited to work with him and share those times with him."
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