Jason Kelce took a moment to share his love for Philadelphia sports radio. He explained exactly why during a recent interview on SportsRadio 94WIP.
What We Know: Kelce spent 13 seasons at center for the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in 2024. He now works as an ESPN Monday Night Countdown analyst and as well as guest appearances on a variety of programs. Additionally, he co-hosts the New Heights podcast with his brother, Travis. Despite that national platform, Kelce still makes time for WIP on a weekly basis. He shared why on Friday morning with SportsRadio 94WIP Morning Show hosts Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie.
What They Said: (All quotes via 94WIP):
Jason Kelce on why he values appearing on WIP so much: “WIP in radio and the sports media culture in the city [Philadelphia] is fantastic. I think it’s very much dying in a lot of other places. It’s really one of the things that makes Philadelphia so awesome to live in. Its intense local pride of who we are, where we live, the teams and people we celebrate. I don’t get to do that in all these other things I do.”
Jason Kelce values the opportunity to talk to local audiences on WIP: “Everything else I do, especially ESPN, is on the national level. The podcast is a whole separate thing with my brother. Very pop culture centric. It’s really awesome to come in and just talk about things that Philadelphians like myself, or my family, and all of us together, topics that we’re interested in talking about. It’s a way to connect to people and a medium that really resonates in the city that I think is awesome. So, it’s fun to do.”
What’s At Stake: Kelce’s reflection on the importance of local voices on sports radio should serve as a notice for more outlets to consider the same. Philadelphia sports culture rivals the top markets in the country, placing sports radio in the city as more of a vital part of the ongoing conversation.
What It Means: Ultimately, Kelce’s comments highlight a divide between national and local sports media. For WIP, his loyalty reinforces the station’s cultural relevance in Philadelphia. Additionally, his remarks suggest local radio still offers something ESPN and podcasts cannot replicate. In turn, that distinction keeps WIP central to how Philadelphia fans engage with its teams.
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