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During Wednesday's edition of First Take, Chris Russo, known for his candid and sometimes controversial opinions, took aim at Jason Kelce, the newest addition to ESPN's NFL coverage. With the Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Philadelphia Eagles dominating headlines, Russo couldn't resist sharing his thoughts on Kelce's recent rise to fame, per Thespun. ESPN has showcased Kelce extensively since his retirement, eager to capitalize on his charisma and high Q score, but not everyone shares that enthusiasm.
Russo pointedly remarked on the saturation of Kelce in the sports media landscape. “I think we've all seen plenty of Jason Kelce in the last few weeks,” he said, highlighting his feeling that the former NFL star's presence on the network has become overwhelming. Russo's vocal critique included a particularly animated moment where he stated, “They put him in the booth in the Philadelphia game against Atlanta,” implying that ESPN has pushed Kelce onto viewers too aggressively.
ESPN execs gotta love Dog complaining about seeing too much of Jason Kelce on ESPN.
“They put him in the booth in the Philadelphia game against Atlanta!” pic.twitter.com/4X93OUEzT4
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 25, 2024
Despite Russo's grumbling, Kelce’s star power has clearly resonated with many fans. Since joining ESPN, he has brought a mix of insightful analysis and humorous commentary to programs like Monday Night Countdown. This mix has made him a compelling figure in the sports media realm, leading to Russo's frustration.
Stephen A. Smith Defends Kelce’s Rising Star Power
In a contrasting stance, Stephen A. Smith defended Kelce, dubbing him a “new star” for ESPN. Smith emphasized the importance of allowing Kelce to find his footing as an analyst and expressed excitement about his success on the network. He noted that Kelce regularly contributes to Monday Night Countdown, bringing both knowledge and levity to the discussions.
Smith's support highlights a key aspect of Kelce's role in the network’s coverage strategy: they see him as a long-term asset, not just a flash in the pan. As Kelce continues to deliver engaging commentary, he helps set the tone for ESPN’s NFL coverage this season. The network clearly aims to capitalize on his popularity, showcasing him not just as a former player but as a vibrant personality capable of connecting with viewers.
While Russo’s critique may resonate with some fans who feel overwhelmed by Kelce’s presence, others celebrate the chance to see how he evolves as an analyst. Kelce's appearances provide fans with a unique glimpse into his insights and experiences, and the fact that he’ll be back on Monday Night Countdown to preview upcoming games only adds to the anticipation.
Despite Chris Russo's jabs, the reality is that the sports media landscape thrives on strong personalities like Kelce, who bring energy and humor to the table. Russo’s role as the curmudgeonly critic remains entertaining, especially when he delivers his takes with the lightheartedness that sports enthusiasts cherish. His banter adds a layer of flavor to the discussions, ensuring that debates about who should be featured on air will continue.
