Jason Kelce Faced Backlash on Monday Night Countdown
The former NFL center encountered viewer criticism during a segment on the ESPN pregame program.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Former NFL star Jason Kelce received criticism from fans regarding his performance on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown. The backlash occurred during the pregame show for the matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants.
Why it matters
The segment Finding Work, which features Kelce and Jason McCourty, highlights the stories of overlooked NFL players. The show focuses on athletes who were chosen late in the draft but managed to make a significant impact in the league.
Jason Kelce and Jason McCourty were both selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Their segment analyzes film of other players who achieved professional success despite being similarly overlooked in the selection process.
The players
Jason Kelce
He is a retired NFL center who transitioned into a media role following his departure from professional football.
Jason McCourty
He is a former NFL defensive back who now serves as an analyst alongside Kelce on the Finding Work segment.
ESPN
This major sports broadcaster produces and airs the Monday Night Countdown pregame show.
The details
The Finding Work segment involves the duo breaking down film of former players who defied the odds after being selected late in the draft. The segment aired as part of the coverage for the Rams versus Giants game.
Timeline
Jason Kelce retired from the NFL in 2024.
Jason Kelce appeared on Monday Night Countdown on September 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The segment follows the established industry trend of highlighting the NFL draft value proposition for late-round selections by profiling players who exceeded their low draft standing. This focus reinforces the narrative that late-round picks can significantly alter team rosters and competitive balance.
The Finding Work segment provides viewers with an analytical breakdown of how late-round draft picks influence modern NFL rosters. This insight offers fans a deeper understanding of the scouting metrics teams use when evaluating talent beyond the early rounds.
The takeaway
The criticism highlights the intense scrutiny directed at former professional athletes as they transition into high-profile broadcasting roles. Fans often hold analysts to the same standards of excellence they exhibited during their time on the field.
Further reading
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