Why Jason Kelce is part of ESPN's coverage at the Masters

Why Jason Kelce is part of ESPN's coverage at the Masters originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Masters week is one of the biggest in the sport. It is the first of the four golf majors of the year, and brings with it the most tradition.

The aura of the event is one of dignity, from the fact that cell phones aren't allowed on the course, and there are certain banned words that the commentators can't say, such as " fans," "rough," "sand trap," or "back nine," to name a few.

The one event of the week that is slightly more lax is the Par-3 Contest on Wednesday. This event is more casual and often sees competitors' families partaking, with children hitting shots out of the tee boxes or putting.

ESPN is bringing in a familiar face to help out with coverage of the Masters. While he is known for his illustrious football career that will likely land him in the Hall of Fame, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce will be on hand for the Par-3 contest to interview participants.

Here is more on why Kelce is on ESPN's coverage of the Masters.

MORE MASTERS 2026:

• Ranking the 30 best golfers in this year's Masters
• Odds, betting favorites, expert picks for the 2026 Masters
• Complete list of golfers playing in the Masters

Why is Jason Kelce part of ESPN's Masters coverage?

Kelce is part of ESPN's Masters coverage because the company believes he is a draw and can bring in and connect with fans who aren't traditionally golf watchers. Plus, his assignment during Masters week is working the Par-3 Contest.

This event is seen as much more casual and laid-back, especially by Masters' standards. It is common for the competitors' children to hit shots, in particular, putts. Kelce should be perfect for this role, and his ability to keep the mood light and playful while still respectful of all the traditions at the Masters.

MORE: Latest updates on Tiger Woods after his car-crash, DUI arrest

ESPN's Masters broadcast team

Here is an overview of ESPN's coverage of the Masters broken down by day. Kelce won't join the broadcast team until Wednesday for the Par 3 contest.

Monday, April 6

• Michael Eaves -- SportsCenter Live from Augusta host
• Matt Barrie - SportsCenter Live from Augusta host
• Curtis Strange - 2026 Masters Analysis
• Andy North - 2026 Masters Analysis
• Marty Smith - 2026 Masters Reporter
• Jeff Darlington - 2026 Masters Reporter

Tuesday, April 7

• Michael Eaves - Tuesday at the Masters host
• Curtis Strange - 2026 Masters Analyst
• Andy North - 2026 Masters Analyst
• Marty Smith - 2026 Masters Reporter
• Jeff Darlington - 2026 Masters Reporter

Wednesday, April 8

• Matt Barrie - Wednesday at the Masters host
• Curtis Strange - 2026 Masters Analyst
• Andy North- 2026 Masters Analyst, SportsCenter at the Masters guest
• David Duval - 2026 Masters Analyst, SportsCenter at the Masters guest
• Scott Van Pelt - Masters Par 3 Coverage host
• Jason Kelce - Masters Par 3 Interviewer
• Marty Smith - Masters Par 3 Interviewer
• Laura Rutledge - Welcome to the Masters host, SportsCenter at the Masters host
• Michael Eaves - SportsCenter at the Masters host
• Marty Smith - 2026 Masters Reporter
• Jeff Darlington - 2026 Masters Reporter

Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10

• Laura Rutledge - Welcome to the Masters host
• Matt Barrie - SportsCenter at the Masters host
• Scott Van Pelt - Host of Live coverage of the first two rounds
• Curtis Strange - Post-Round Interviewer
• Michael Eaves - Post-Round Interviewer

MORE: Why did Phil Mickelson withdraw from the 2026 Masters?

Jason Kelce broadcast career

Kelce played in the NFL from 2011 through 2023. After his 13-year career, the former center hung up his cleats for good and joined ESPN as an analyst.

It was announced on April 29, 2024, that Kelce would be joining ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" crew for the 2024 season. He retained that role through 2025 and often served as comedic relief for the panel while also offering insight as a former player.

Kelce also added television hosting to his resume in 2025 with the first season of "They Call it Late Night with Jason Kelce."