Jason Kelce’s expanded ESPN role and NFL rule changes highlight the latest ‘New Heights’ podcast
Also up for discussion was Jason's younger brother, Travis, preparing for his 14th NFL season on the 200th episode of the popular pod.
Football is officially back, and few seem more prepared than the Kelce brothers, who shared a collection of opinions on the 200th episode of New Heights before Week 1 of the NFL season.
The duo discussed Travis Kelce’s upcoming 14th season with the Kansas City Chiefs, expectations for the Eagles’ opener Sunday against the Washington Commanders, and even brought on Eagles assistant general manager Jon Ferrari to help with nuances of NFL rules.
Retired Eagles center Jason Kelce is taking on an expanded role at ESPN and will call four games, including the Birds’ London game against the Jaguars in Week 5. Like many Eagles fans, he’s curious about what to expect from new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the new offense is going to look like,” he said. “They have not shown what this offense is going to look like yet in the preseason. We know what this looks like in the McVay-Shanahan tree. … Very much looking forward to seeing what these guys look like this Sunday.”
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The brothers discussed how the Commanders are “already banged up” entering Week 1. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce was excited to be back with a healthy team ahead of Week 1. Both brothers sang the praises of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who’s back following a late-season ACL injury, ahead of Monday night’s opener against the Denver Broncos.
“We are going to see the best quarterback in the NFL play this Monday,” Jason Kelce said.
Ferrari brought perspective to NFL rules, like holding. He defended the rule — which makes it illegal to grab the inside of the collar by the pads — more calmly than self-proclaimed ’90s football lover Jason Kelce.
“A couple years ago, the competition committee looked at it and said, ‘You know, that leverage that collar grab gives you is an unfair advantage to the offensive linemen,’” Ferrari said. “The sustained collar grab … they want that for holding if they can see it.”
As they continued to discuss the nitty-gritty of blocking and all the potential penalty pitfalls it entails, Jason responded, “What are we … playing patty cake? Why … can’t I just clean this dude’s clock? I thought we were playing football, Jon.
“To be fair, I also liked watching receivers get their heads knocked off,” Jason said with a laugh. “I just like watching people get destroyed. It’s like deep in my bones of ’90s football hasn’t gone away.”
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However, even with ever-fluctuating rules, it is clear that football fans are ready to see their teams back on the field.
“There’s nothing better, man, than the feeling you get going into Week 1,” Travis said. “You get a fresh start, especially if you got a sour taste in your mouth from last year.
“There is nothing better than prime-time football. The magic is in the air.”
The regular season is almost here! All the preseason talk has been about Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. But there’s somebody else who will have a big say in how high the Eagles fly. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains why this year, in the absence of traded star A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has to take the next step, while also taking charge of the Eagles’ wide receivers group. Plus, Jeff dips into the mailbag for listener questions about Jalen Hurts and some key roster spots. Listen here.
Listen to all episodes here or wherever you get your podcasts.
