f.Kylie Kelce is reportedly heading to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics… and the reaction is not what you’d expect.f
Beyond the Eagles’ Shadow: The Controversial Rise of Kylie Kelce at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The road to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, has just taken an unexpected detour through Philadelphia. NBCUniversal recently announced its “Creator Collective” for the upcoming games, and one name stands out above the rest: Kylie Kelce. While fans of the Kelce family are celebrating, a storm of controversy is brewing behind the scenes at major news networks, sparking a viral debate about the death of traditional journalism.
The Shocking Announcement That Shook the Industry
On January 6, 2026, it was officially confirmed that Kylie Kelce—wife of Eagles legend Jason Kelce and host of the Not Gonna Lie podcast—will join an elite group of over 25 creators heading to Italy. Her mission is to provide a “social-first” look at the games, interviewing athletes and sharing behind-the-scenes moments from Milan to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
However, the “shady truth” according to critics is that Kylie is occupying a spot that traditionally belonged to seasoned sports reporters. For decades, Olympic coverage was the pinnacle of a journalist’s career, earned through years of grit and experience. Now, with NBC leaning heavily into TikTok, YouTube, and Meta to reach younger audiences, professional reporters feel they are being sidelined for “celebrity influencers”.
“Not Just a Housewife”: Kylie’s Media Evolution
The backlash took a personal turn when some online trolls labeled Kylie as “just a housewife” who was riding her husband’s coattails to international stardom. This narrative quickly triggered a viral counter-protest from supporters who argue that Kylie has built her own media brand independently.
Kylie’s content strategy for the 2026 Games isn’t about traditional play-by-play. She plans to bring the same authentic, conversational style that made her podcast a hit, focusing on the human stories and the raw emotions of Team USA. NBC defends the choice, stating that the Creator Collective reached nearly 300 million views during the Paris 2024 Games, proving that this “new era” of media is what the public wants.
Jason Kelce Breaks His Silence
The controversy reached a breaking point when Jason Kelce himself had to step in. Known for his fierce protection of his family, the former Eagles center reportedly addressed the critics, emphasizing that Kylie’s opportunity was earned through her unique connection with fans and her hard work in the podcasting space.
The @kelcebrothers Instagram account echoed this pride, celebrating the news with a defiant: “It’s official! Kylie will be covering the 2026 Winter Olympics… Can’t wait!”. This public show of support has turned the “outrage” into a full-blown culture war between traditionalists and the digital-first generation.
Italy Awaits: What Happens Next?
As the February 6, 2026 opening ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on Kylie Kelce. The pressure to deliver is immense. She isn’t just representing herself; she is representing the viability of the “Creator Collective” model. If her coverage succeeds in bringing millions of young eyes to the Winter Olympics, it may permanently change how the world consumes sports media.
Kylie is ready to “slay” in Italy, but the shadow of the professional reporters she “replaced” will follow her across the Alps. This is more than just a job; it’s a defining moment for the Kelce legacy. Whether you love her or think she’s out of her depth, one thing is certain: Kylie Kelce is no longer just in the stands—she’s the one holding the microphone.
