Why Jason Kelce won’t be on YouTube’s Chargers–Chiefs NFL stream
We won’t be seeing Jason Kelce’s familiar face for the Chiefs vs Chargers game in Brazil this Friday thanks to a strict rule by ESPN.
Jason Kelce has quickly become one of the biggest stars in sports media since retiring from the NFL, but ESPN’s latest policy means fans won’t be seeing him on YouTube’s highly anticipated Chargers–Chiefs broadcast this Friday in Brazil.
ESPN blocks Jason Kelce from appearing on YouTube’s NFL broadcast
According to Front Office Sports, YouTube approached Kelce about joining its alternative coverage of the AFC West showdown, but ESPN declined to allow the move. The network recently enforced a rule preventing its NFL broadcasters from appearing on streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix during the season. The reasoning is simple - exclusivity. With ESPN spending billions on its NFL package, the company wants its on-air talent reserved for its own broadcasts.
Kelce, who signed a three-year, $24 million deal with ESPN to appear on Monday Night Countdown, was a natural choice for YouTube given his massive post-football success. His “New Heights” podcast with brother Travis Kelce has over 3 million subscribers and regularly dominates the sports podcast charts. With his mix of personality, insight, and star power, the former Eagles center has become one of the most in-demand media figures in sports.
Still, YouTube’s broadcast will feature plenty of star power without him. Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner will call the game, while Kay Adams, Cam Newton, Brandon Marshall, Tyrann Mathieu, Derek Carr, and fantasy football analyst Peter Overzet will handle pre- and post-game coverage. Popular content creators such as iShowSpeed and Deestroying are also expected to be part of alternate streams designed to capture younger audiences.
It’s the NFL’s second game in Brazil, and while Jason Kelce won’t be part of the action, his absence only highlights how valuable he’s become in sports media, and how protective ESPN is of its newest star.
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