Jason Kelce’s Eagles loyalty sparks a memorable halftime moment
Jason Kelce’s Eagles loyalty briefly took center stage during ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage. While discussing Philadelphia at halftime, the former center repeatedly used “we,” prompting Pat McAfee to call it out.
Kelce quickly apologized to Bears fans before the broadcast continued. Here’s a look at what happened and why the moment caught attention.
Philadelphia faced Chicago on Monday night
The Eagles entered the Week 3 matchup with a 2-0 record, while the Bears were 1-1 before kickoff. The game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 28, 2026, as part of ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage.
Kelce spent his entire 13-season NFL career with Philadelphia and was appearing as a broadcaster rather than an active player. Chicago ultimately won the game 27-7, leaving both teams at 2-1.
Kelce corrected himself on live television
Kelce’s comments came while he was explaining why he felt Philadelphia could respond after halftime. He said the Eagles had moved the ball, run effectively, and created opportunities during the opening two quarters.
McAfee responded by noting the amount of “we” language coming from Kelce while discussing Philadelphia. Kelce immediately acknowledged the mistake and apologized before the broadcast continued.
Kelce spent his entire career with Philadelphia
The Eagles selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft after he played college football at Cincinnati. He remained with Philadelphia throughout his 13-season NFL career and never played for another NFL franchise.
Kelce officially announced his retirement on March 4, 2024. His career included seven Pro Bowl selections, six first-team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl victory.
His broadcasting career began after retirement
After retiring from the NFL, Kelce joined ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown as an analyst. ESPN announced in May 2024 that his post-playing broadcasting career would begin with the network’s Monday night pregame program.
Kelce had previously participated in NFL broadcasting opportunities, including the league’s broadcasting and media workshop. He also continued appearing on New Heights, the podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce.
The broadcast role is different from playing
As an ESPN analyst, Kelce discusses NFL games from a studio and media perspective instead of participating on the field. His role requires him to analyze teams and players while working alongside other members of the Monday Night Countdown crew.
During the Eagles-Bears broadcast, his repeated use of “we” referred to Philadelphia. McAfee’s comment highlighted that Kelce was no longer an active Eagles player.
Interesting fact: Beyond broadcasting, he has continued appearing around Eagles activities and maintains his media career through New Heights, the podcast he hosts with his younger brother, Travis Kelce.
The halftime score was close
Chicago led Philadelphia 10-7 at halftime when Kelce made the comments that drew McAfee’s attention. Jalen Hurts scored a late first-half rushing touchdown that reduced Chicago’s advantage to 3 points.
Kelce said he felt good about Philadelphia’s position entering the second half. The Eagles did not score again after halftime and finished the game with 7 points.
Interesting fact: NFL records list Kelce with 193 career appearances, all with Philadelphia, after beginning his career in 2011 and finishing in 2023.
Chicago pulled away after halftime
The Bears extended their lead during the second half and finished with a 27-7 victory over Philadelphia. Chicago’s offense was led by Case Keenum, who started after quarterback Caleb Williams was unavailable for the game.
Keenum threw two touchdown passes and added a rushing touchdown. Philadelphia committed three turnovers, while Hurts accounted for the Eagles’ only touchdown on a quarterback sneak.
Interesting fact: People reported that Swift and Kelce married on July 3, 2026, after announcing their engagement in August 2025.
The apology came before the final result
Kelce apologized during the halftime portion of ESPN’s coverage, before the game had reached its conclusion. His statement was directed toward Bears fans after McAfee pointed out his repeated use of “we” for Philadelphia.
The Eagles eventually lost by 20 points, making the halftime discussion part of a broader broadcast surrounding Chicago’s victory. The final score was 27-7.
Kelce’s Philadelphia connection predates broadcasting
Kelce’s Philadelphia connection began when Philadelphia drafted him in 2011 and continued through his retirement in 2024. He played center for the franchise for 13 seasons and was part of its Super Bowl-winning 2017 season.
His retirement speech thanked Philadelphia and described his goal of spending his career with one team. That long association explains why Philadelphia remains central to his football identity.
McAfee was part of the exchange
Pat McAfee was seated alongside Kelce during the Monday Night Countdown coverage when the “we” wording became noticeable. McAfee responded directly after Kelce finished describing Philadelphia’s first-half performance.
The exchange was brief and remained part of the live broadcast rather than becoming a separate segment. Kelce’s apology followed immediately, and the program continued its halftime analysis of the Eagles-Bears game.
The moment spread across sports coverage
The broadcast exchange quickly became a reported sports-media story after the Eagles-Bears game ended. Multiple outlets highlighted Kelce’s repeated use of “we,” McAfee’s response, and Kelce’s apology to Chicago supporters.
Coverage also revisited Kelce’s 13 seasons with Philadelphia and his transition to ESPN after retirement. The moment was therefore discussed alongside his established connection to the Eagles and his current broadcasting role.
The internet is also talking about Kaepernick facing $2 million offer to charity for interview.
Kelce is now covering his former team
Kelce is now covering his former team. The September 28 incident occurred during Kelce’s second professional chapter, when he was analyzing an NFL team he once represented. Philadelphia was his only NFL team, and he retired after the 2023 season before moving into ESPN’s studio coverage.
His wording during halftime prompted an immediate correction on air. The Eagles-Bears game ended with Chicago winning 27-7, leaving Philadelphia at 2-1 after three games.
In other news, Aaron Rodgers’ profane Steelers rant caught live on CBS.
What do you think about Jason Kelce’s “we” slip while covering his former team? Like this post and comment with your take on the moment.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
