Jason Kelce's debut as an in-game analyst for NFL Network was not without an on-air blunder.
While providing live analysis for the Washington Commanders' game against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 4, Kelce accidentally called the Commanders by their old nickname.
"The (Commanders) right now doing a great job of not only staying tight, but making the play when the ball is in the receiver's hand and keeping it short of the sticks," he said in the third quarter, using the team's former name.
Washington's NFL team announced in 2020 that it would retire its former nickname in response to longstanding criticism that it was racial slur against Native Americans. After two seasons known as the Washington Football Team, the franchise officially adopted
the Commanders moniker in 2022.
Jason Kelce apologizes for on-air Commanders blunder
Kelce's slip-up came during his first in-booth call as an analyst.
The former Philadelphia Eagles center, who already serves as a studio analyst for ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown," is calling four NFL Network games this season alongside the Dave Pasch and Kurt Warner broadcasting duo as part of an expanded role.
Pasch quickly corrected Kelce, saying, "Commanders. You did it."
"What'd I do?" Kelce asked. Pasch responded with a laugh and informed Kelce he had used the old nickname.
"Oh my gosh! I almost made it out," Kelce said.
Pasch added that he, Kelce and Warner had a "little gentlemen's bet who would be first" to blunder the team's name.
"Sorry, Washington," Kelce added.
Kelce will be joining Pasch and Warner in the booth again for the Eagles-Jaguars game on Oct. 11, Steelers-Saints on Oct. 25 and another game on Dec. 26.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kelce calls NFL team by old name during broadcast
