JASON KELCE USES WASHINGTON'S FORMER NAME IN NFL DEBUT

Jason Kelce made his debut in the NFL Network broadcast booth on Sunday, working alongside Dave Pasch and Kurt Warner to call the Indianapolis Colts' match against the Washington Commanders in London. During the broadcast, Kelce referred to the Commanders by their former name, Redskins, and had to be reminded of the team's current name. He also mispronounced the surname of Colts guard Matt Goncalves. Viewers on the social media platform X flagged both errors as they happened.

Kelce, a former Philadelphia Eagles centre, prompted one fan to ask the Colts' media team to clarify the correct pronunciation of Goncalves' surname. NFL materials list the pronunciation as gun-ZALL-vez, and Pro Football Reference also provides a guide for the player. Some viewers noted that offensive linemen rarely receive attention during broadcasts and suggested a former lineman such as Kelce should have been better prepared. Other fans questioned whether a third commentator was necessary in the booth, while one said they doubted Kelce could read the players' names correctly. Another viewer said they respected Kelce but urged him to learn the correct pronunciation.

Mispronunciations occur frequently in live sports broadcasting and are often overlooked once a commentator settles into a role, with broadcasters typically relying on prepared pronunciation guides. Names of Portuguese origin, such as Goncalves, are commonly cited as difficult to pronounce without preparation. The Commanders play under a name adopted after the franchise's previous one, which Kelce used in error before being corrected on air. Reports of the broadcast did not include any further comment from Kelce, Pasch, Warner or NFL Network. Kelce's appearance in London marked the opening fixture of his NFL Network coverage for the 2026 season.