Jason Kelce’s transition from NFL player to television analyst has brought his outspoken personality and football knowledge to ESPN, but the former Philadelphia Eagles center is still working on leaving his playing days behind when he speaks on air.
ESPN producer Jeff Dufine has revealed that the network is trying to help Kelce stop referring to the Eagles as “we” during broadcasts, following criticism of his comments during recent NFL games.
ESPN Producer Jeff Dufine Discusses Jason Kelce’s Broadcast Mistakes
Dufine, who is overseeing broadcasts for the NFL’s international games this season, addressed the issue in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer published on October 10, 2026.
“We’ve tried to get the ‘we’ out of him,” Dufine said, explaining that former players and coaches can find it difficult to stop identifying with their previous teams after moving into broadcasting.
Despite the occasional slip-up, Dufine praised Kelce’s ability to analyze football and understand what is happening on the field.
“He sees the game really well,” Dufine said, emphasizing that Kelce’s football knowledge remains one of his biggest strengths as an analyst.
Dufine also explained the guidance he has given the former Eagles star, encouraging him to focus on describing what he observes during games while the production team supports his analysis.
Why Jason Kelce Apologized to Bears Fans
The controversy gained attention during the Philadelphia Eagles’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Chicago Bears on September 28, 2026.
While analyzing the game, Kelce repeatedly referred to Philadelphia as “we,” drawing attention to the close connection he still has with the team where he spent his entire NFL playing career.
Kelce later apologized to Bears fans following the broadcast, acknowledging the mistake as he continued adjusting to his role as a television analyst.
For many former athletes, the transition from competing for a team to discussing it objectively can take time. Kelce spent 13 seasons with the Eagles and became one of the most recognizable figures in franchise history before retiring in 2024.
His use of “we” reflects how deeply connected he remains to Philadelphia, although ESPN wants him to maintain the neutral perspective expected of a broadcaster.
Jason Kelce Makes Another On-Air Mistake
The Eagles-related comments were not Kelce’s only broadcast slip-up this season.
During his NFL Network debut on October 4, 2026, Kelce accidentally referred to the Washington Commanders by their former name, the Redskins.
His co-host, Dave Pasch, corrected him during the broadcast. Kelce responded with surprise and quickly apologized to viewers after realizing what he had said.
The incident came just days after the Eagles-Bears controversy, putting additional attention on Kelce’s adjustment to his broadcasting responsibilities.
Kelce also continued using language associated with his former team during the Eagles-Jaguars game on October 11, demonstrating that breaking the habit remains a work in progress.
Jason Kelce’s ESPN Career and Contract
Kelce is in his third season as an ESPN analyst after announcing his retirement from professional football in 2024. His experience as an offensive lineman gives him an insider’s perspective on blocking schemes, defensive pressure and the decisions that shape NFL games.
In May 2024, Kelce signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $24 million with ESPN. According to the report, the agreement is scheduled to expire at the end of the 2026 season.
Whether Kelce will return to the broadcast booth after the current season remains unclear.
His popularity, football expertise and willingness to show his personality have made him a prominent figure in sports media. However, his recent mistakes illustrate one of the challenges that former professional athletes face when moving into television analysis.
Will ESPN Help Jason Kelce Improve?
Dufine’s comments suggest that ESPN views Kelce’s repeated use of “we” as an issue to address rather than a reflection of his overall broadcasting ability.
The producer’s praise for Kelce’s football insight indicates that the network recognizes the value he brings to its coverage. The immediate goal is to help him describe games without unintentionally speaking as though he remains part of the Eagles roster.
Kelce’s years in Philadelphia naturally shaped his perspective, and that connection is unlikely to disappear overnight. Still, as his broadcasting career develops, he will need to distinguish between his loyalty to his former team and his responsibility to provide analysis for a national audience.
For now, ESPN appears committed to helping Kelce make that adjustment while continuing to benefit from his experience and understanding of the game.
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