ESPN Producer Addresses Jason Kelce Eagles Broadcast Habit

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce drew attention after his NFL broadcasting assignment in London on Sunday, where NFL Network aired the Jacksonville Jaguars' 19-17 win over Philadelphia and ESPN producer Jeff Dufine discussed Kelce's transition from player to analyst.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Dufine said the broadcast team has worked with Kelce to avoid referring to the Eagles in the first person. Kelce spent all 13 NFL seasons with Philadelphia before moving into media work.

Awful Announcing highlighted Dufine's comments about Kelce's repeated use of team-inclusive language during broadcasts.

"ESPN producer says they've tried to get the 'we' out of Jason Kelce" Awful Announcing wrote while summarizing Dufine's remarks.

Dufine, an ESPN producer overseeing international game broadcasts, explained that the issue can occur with former players and coaches discussing their previous teams.

"We've tried to get the 'we' out of him" Dufine said in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The discussion followed Kelce's appearance alongside play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch and Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner for the London game. The contest ended when Jacksonville kicker Cam Little made a 57-yard field goal as time expired.

Some fans questioned ESPN's decision to place Kelce on an Eagles game, while others defended his perspective as a former player with deep ties to Philadelphia.

"ESPN put him on an Eagles game, the only team he ever played for." Sean McClain wrote in response to Awful Announcing's post.

Other commentators compared the situation with former players working games involving their old teams.

"They won't even let Herbstreit pick the game he's calling that night for ABC," Chris Drury wrote while referencing Kirk Herbstreit's broadcasting assignments.

Kelce had addressed Jaguars fans before the matchup on his New Heights podcast, promising to recognize the opponent's performance during the broadcast.

"I will be doing my utmost to give you guys the credit you deserve." Jason Kelce said before the game.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Kelce provided analysis on several plays, including a criticism of Eagles receiver Dontayvion Wicks for exaggerating contact and praise for Jacksonville's emergency long snapper DaVon Hamilton.

"He's a former player not a journalist…he's spent a lot of time in Philly so it's natural for him to say we." Austin Gilles wrote while defending Kelce's broadcast style.

Dufine also praised Kelce's football analysis and said the former center's understanding of the game was valuable during broadcasts.

"He sees the game really well" Dufine said.

Another fan pointed to how former players often discuss their previous teams while on air.

"Peyton Manning says it nonstop if he's on a Broncos game," a Bengals fan wrote.

Kelce also received criticism over his airtime during the broadcast with Warner. Awful Announcing said he sometimes dominated conversations, leaving fewer openings for his broadcast partner.

"Kelce 100% speaks too much. Needs to pick his spot." Andrew Batson wrote while evaluating the broadcast.

Kelce prepared for the role by joining Pasch and Warner for a mock call of a Houston Texans-Los Angeles Chargers preseason game in August. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he has two remaining NFL Network assignments this season, beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers against the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Oct. 25.