New Report Reveals Why Jason Kelce Has Been ‘Blocked’ From Covering Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Rams Game In Brazil

Jason Kelce (Photo By Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
At times, a few things don’t go as planned. Jason Kelce wanted to cover his brother’s big game in Brazil. ESPN said no. Just like that, one of football’s most entertaining voices won’t be on the call when the Kansas City Chiefs open their season against the Los Angeles Chargers next Friday.

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The game in Sao Paulo had all the ingredients. Travis Kelce returns, the Chiefs chase another run, and YouTube wanted to add a family twist by putting Jason on their broadcast. According to Front Office Sports, the streaming giant reached out to the former Eagles star. ESPN stepped in and blocked the move.

Jason isn’t just another retired player. He’s coming off a strong debut season as an analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. He signed a three-year, $24 million deal in April 2024. The network loved his work. Fans loved his work. So ESPN protected their investment.

Why ESPN Drew The Line Regarding Jason Kelce

Travis And Jason Kelce (Photo By Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

ESPN holds a strict policy, its on-air talent can’t work for rival broadcasters. That includes streamers like YouTube and Netflix. The network didn’t single Jason out. It simply enforced the rule across the board. Sources confirmed to Front Office Sports that the policy aims to keep ESPN’s analysts exclusive.

The decision makes sense from a business perspective, but it stings for viewers. Jason brings humor, insight, and a unique connection to the Chiefs’ star tight end. He also has ties to YouTube. He and his wife, Kylie, appear in commercials for YouTube TV. His hit podcast New Heights with Travis airs weekly on the platform and draws massive audiences. That synergy made him the perfect fit for the broadcast team YouTube is building.

Instead, fans will see Jason only on ESPN’s coverage this season. YouTube still boasts a heavyweight lineup for the Chiefs-Chargers matchup, including Kay Adams, Cam Newton, Derek Carr, Tyrann Mathieu, Rich Eisen, and Kurt Warner.

Travis, meanwhile, will take the field for the first time since his engagement to Taylor Swift. The storyline already carries enough star power. Still, Jason’s presence in the booth could have added something extra.

ESPN’s call shows the changing landscape of sports broadcasting. Streamers are pushing for big names. Networks are holding their ground. And for now, Jason Kelce sits right in the middle of that tug-of-war.