Jason Kelce stuns fans with explanation about why he wore a Broncos jersey on TV… despite being from Cleveland
Jason Kelce has taken to social media to explain why he was wearing a Denver Broncos jersey on TV… despite being from the city of their Monday Night Football opponents.
A Cleveland Browns fan growing up, Kelce shocked ESPN viewers when he wore a Broncos jersey to this week’s pregame tailgate in Denver.
He was inundated with messages asking for an explanation, and he complied, sharing a lengthy explanation of his decision to don the rival jersey.
“Every time I go to Monday Night Football, I wear a jersey honoring a former home team great,” he revealed, before giving some examples.
“For the Jets, I wore Abdul Salaam’s jersey to honor him after his passing as one of the great members of the Sack Exchange. For the Steelers game, I wore my friend and deskmate Ryan Clark’s jersey. For the Chiefs, I wanted to honor Abner Haynes and his contributions to the game in many ways.
“Tonight I wore Tom Nalen’s jersey as one of the game’s legendary centers and a man I looked up to and watched as I learned the position as an undersized center.
Jason Kelce wore a Denver Broncos jersey for the tailgate before Monday Night Football
The move left fans confused as Kelce is from their opponents’ city, Cleveland
He explained that he was honoring legendary Broncos center Tom Nalen, pictured in 2007
“I enjoy honoring great players from this league as I venture into the tailgate of team fans, but I told everyone in the tailgate that I was rooting for the Browns, and as we made our choices on who would win the game, I said, ‘I can’t bring myself to pick against my hometown team’ and chose the Browns for that reason alone.”
The decision went down very well with fans on social media, with fellow TV analyst Andrew Whitworth writing: “I think it’s great that you’re doing that. That’s freaking awesome!’
Another fan wrote, “Makes sense, well done Jason,” while someone shared their frustration that Kelce felt the need to post, “I love you Jason. Please never change. Always having to explain yourself unnecessarily.’
Kelce has become one of the newest stars in the ESPN stable after ending his playing career
Kelce and his wife Kylie recently announced that they are expecting another child – and a girl at that
On the other hand, you can’t please all the people all the time, and one fan took issue with Kelce’s decision, replying, “You can only wear one jersey.” It’s green and it says 62. At least we have Kylie…’
Kelce was on the panel for the Monday Night Football game, which ended in a win for the host Broncos, who had a 41-32 victory over the Browns.
It was another impressive night for rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for 294 yards and a touchdown.
On the other hand, it was even wilder for Jameis Winston, who rushed for 497 yards and threw four touchdowns, but also was picked off three times.