PHILADELPHIA — Jason Kelce took to the Philadelphia Eagles’ home turf in a unique fashion, combining a festive atmosphere with a hint of his new venture into late-night television. Sporting his Super Bowl parade Mummer’s costume and revving around in his modified golf cart, he showed enthusiasm as he prepared for the first episode of his show, “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce” on ESPN. His grand entrance included tossing the keys like a true rock star, reminiscent of ZZ Top, as he geared up for his new role.

With a cheeky remark to kick things off, Kelce quickly established a lively vibe in the studio, emphasizing that this wouldn’t be a conventional late-night show. Instead, he pulled off a raucous celebration with his family, friends, and an audience that featured unique fans, including one with a tattoo of the Phillie Phanatic. Kelce was unapologetically candid in his approach, showcasing a raw perspective on sports, which diverged from the polished humor typical of suit-and-tie comedians.

“Watching late-night television was one of my favorite pastimes growing up,” Kelce said, clearly excited about his new role. In a playful twist, he sought advice from Jimmy Kimmel, disappearing into a fictional portal to his office, underscoring the humor and spontaneity of the show. The first episode featured a range of guests, including basketball legend Charles Barkley, rapper and actor Lil Dicky, and NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, who joined in discussions about sports and life, making for an engaging viewing experience.

The audience was a mix of enthusiastic fans, including Caleb Tinley, a Penn State student who had serendipitously won tickets to the taping just a couple of days prior. Being an avid follower of Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast led him to view this show as an extension of that cherished experience. “He became a Philadelphia icon ever since that Super Bowl speech,” Tinley mentioned, highlighting Kelce’s rise to fame.

At 37, Kelce’s profile has significantly expanded since retiring from the NFL after a 13-year career solely with the Eagles. His popularity has propelled him into a variety of endeavors, including being a prominent pitchman for several brands and co-hosting a podcast. This latest endeavor clearly fits into his growing portfolio as he embraces the entertainment world.

Kelce’s show, part of a multi-year contract with ESPN, marks an exciting chapter in his post-football career. He had already contributed to the network, appearing on “Monday Night Countdown.” Tapping into the legacy of NFL Films, which was established in Philadelphia, the show pays tribute to sports history. “I envisioned a program that acknowledges not only current players but also legends from the past,” Kelce stated, explaining his desire to celebrate the richness of NFL culture.

The episode emphasized fun and authenticity, with Kelce aiming to maintain an honest dialogue akin to locker room conversations. He acknowledged that the casual language was part of what he wanted to deliver. “It was a bit excessive initially to set the audience’s expectations, but we wanted to stay true to who we are,” he explained after the show wrapped up.

The inaugural hour-long episode, taped before a live audience at Union Transfer, aired at 1 a.m. EST, with subsequent episodes scheduled weekly on Friday nights. As the NFL regular season winds down, Kelce aims to keep the momentum going, intrigued by the potential of his venture.

Hosts and audience members shared laughs as comedian Seth Herzog light-heartedly reminded attendees of the phone ban, a nod to a past viral moment in which Kelce humorously smashed cell phones during a college event. While the Philadelphia flair was evident throughout the show, Kelce made it clear that he aims to reach a nationwide fanbase.

Although the future of the show remains uncertain, Kelce expressed optimism about breaking new ground. “We wanted to keep things entertaining and see where it led — if it resonates, I believe there’s a place for it, especially during football season,” he said, reflecting on the unique venture he embarked upon.

As he mingled with audience members post-show and celebrated the night’s successes, Kelce reflected on the evening with the same passion he once brought to the field. “For me, it was game day,” he noted. “There were mistakes and room for improvement, but I couldn’t be happier with how everything unfolded.”