Expect to see only one Kelce brother on YouTube’s screen next week when the Chiefs open the season against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.
ESPN shut down the pitch of having Jason Kelce be part of YouTube’s coverage of the international AFC West clash, Front Office Sports reported Friday, noting ESPN’s policy of prohibiting its talent from appearing on streamers’ NFL games.
Jason, who joined ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” last spring after playing 13 seasons for the Eagles, was reportedly approached by YouTube to be part of its Week 1 coverage, which will feature his younger brother, newly engaged Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
That idea was swiftly kiboshed by ESPN, according to the report,
Friday’s development comes nearly two months after the outlet reported that networks are hesitant to share their talent elsewhere as Netflix prepares for a stacked Christmas Day lineup that will include the Commanders vs. a Micah Parsons-less Cowboys at 1 p.m., followed by the Vikings and Lions at 4:30 p.m.
Netflix utilized ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Laura Rutledge in last year’s NFL coverage.
ESPN’s policy, per Front Office Sports, was implemented prior to YouTube reaching out about Jason, 37, who “was not singled out.”
Jason, a Super Bowl-winning center with the Eagles, is entering his second season as an analyst.
In addition to his ESPN duties, Jason co-hosts the immensely popular “New Heights” podcast with Travis, 35, who recently hosted his new fiancée, Taylor Swift, on the program.
The couple announced their engagement Tuesday after two years of dating.
Travis is entering his 13th NFL season, with speculation mounting it could be his last.
He posted career-lows in receiving yards (823) and touchdowns (three) in 2024, which concluded with a lop-sided Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.
When the Chiefs and Chargers kick off next Friday, Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner will be on the call for YouTube, with Stacey Dales and online personality Donald “Deestroying” De La Haye serving as sideline reporters, per USA Today.
The game gets underway at 8 p.m.
