Jason Kelce, recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center, has embarked on a new venture: hosting a late-night talk show aptly titled “They Call It Late Night.” Airing on ESPN during the NFL playoffs, the show features a unique blend of sports commentary, humor, and heartwarming family moments. A recent episode showcased a particularly endearing segment involving the creation of the show’s official mascot, a process that involved the entire Kelce clan.
The mascot design endeavor became a collaborative family project, masterminded by Jason and his wife, Kylie, who also serves as the show’s announcer. With the assistance of their three young daughters – Wyatt, Ellie, and Bennett – the Kelces sought to create a character that would embody the spirit of the show. Jason first quizzed his daughters on the concept of a mascot, using the Philadelphia Eagles’ mascot, Swoop, as a reference point. The girls, demonstrating their understanding, embarked on their creative journey, armed with crayons and boundless imagination.
The design process unfolded with charming results. Each daughter contributed unique elements to the final product. Wyatt provided the facial features, Ellie crafted the body, and even the youngest, Bennett, inadvertently added what would become the mascot’s legs through an “accidental scribble,” as described by Kylie. The composite creation, a whimsical amalgamation of the girls’ contributions, was affectionately dubbed “Dragon McFart-Fart Butt-Butt” by its young creators, a name that elicited laughter and amused bewilderment from Jason.
With the design finalized, the next step involved bringing “Dragon McFart-Fart Butt-Butt” to life. One of Jason’s colleagues enthusiastically donned a custom-made mascot costume, embodying the character throughout the remainder of the broadcast. The vibrant, slightly chaotic appearance of the mascot perfectly captured the lighthearted and family-oriented nature of the show. The mascot’s debut was met with enthusiastic applause and laughter from both Jason and Kylie, clearly delighted with the realization of their daughters’ artistic vision.
Jason, visibly proud of his daughters’ creation, expressed his admiration for their collaborative effort and the unique character they had brought to life. He praised the girls for “nailing” the design, highlighting their individual contributions and marveling at the unexpected success of Bennett’s accidental contribution. He playfully noted the surprising Irish undertones of the mascot’s name, adding to the overall humorous tone of the segment. His genuine delight and affection for the mascot were palpable, reflecting the strong family bonds evident throughout the show.
The “Dragon McFart-Fart Butt-Butt” segment perfectly encapsulated the essence of “They Call It Late Night.” It showcased not only Jason’s comedic timing and engaging on-screen presence but also highlighted the importance of family in his life. The segment offered a glimpse into the Kelces’ playful dynamic and their ability to find humor and joy in the everyday. The mascot’s creation, born from the collective imagination of the Kelce children, became a symbol of the show’s lightheartedness and its celebration of family connection, providing a heartwarming moment for viewers amidst the high-stakes world of NFL playoffs. Jason’s evident pride in his children’s creation underscored the personal touch that sets “They Call It Late Night” apart, transforming it from just another sports talk show into a truly unique and endearing viewing experience. The limited run of the show, coinciding with the NFL playoffs, only added to the mascot’s special significance, a fleeting symbol of a memorable and entertaining chapter in Jason Kelce’s post-playing career.
