After an incredible 13-season career, center Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles has formally announced his retirement from the National Football League.
At the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, Kelce, together with his brother Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and parents Ed and Donna, had a tearful news conference.
The 36-year-old, who was speaking to the media while sporting an Eagles T-shirt without sleeves, was clearly brought to tears.
Feeling his feelings clearly, Kelce added, “Let’s see how long this lasts.” In the emotional forty-five-minute meeting, Kelce shared his memories of his incredible journey with the Eagles and thanked everyone who had helped him along the way, in Philadelphia and back home.
Over the course of his 13-year stay with the Eagles, Kelce won a Super Bowl and even made his musical debut with the publication of two Christmas CDs.
“I’ve always wanted to play my entire career in one location. And if I had tried, I couldn’t have imagined a finer one or a greater fit,” Kelce thought. “I’m not sure what lies ahead, but I’m excited for the fresh possibilities and challenges that lie ahead. And I am aware that I will always be able to connect with my fellow Philadelphians and that I will carry the lessons I learned during my time here with me.
From the University of Cincinnati, Kelce was selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft. During his time there, he was coached by Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Kelce had a fantastic career, being selected to seven Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro six times, including in 2023.
I had to say that I was officially overrated. Extremely overvalued, Kelce laughed. But to get here, a great deal of effort and perseverance were required. For my whole career, I have been the underdog, and
When I say that, I sincerely hope that I still was.
I was happiest when I proved someone else incorrect. “If you want Jason to do something, all you have to do is tell him he can’t,” my mother used to say, and she still does. And it was more accurate than I would want to acknowledge. I love skeptics because they fed my inner fire.
