Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday after 13 seasons in the NFL.
The Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler held a press conference at the Eagles facility to share the announcement.
In an emotional speech, Jason Kelce highlighted the many highs and lows of his time in the NFL and his college years, explaining what drew him to the game.
“I’ve been asked many times: Why did I choose football? What drew me to the game? And I never have an answer that gets it right,” he said. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it. Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt.”
He also looked back on his 13-year career with the Eagles, which he recounted as “filled with ups and downs.”
“This all brings us here to today, where I announce … I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles,” he said.
In addition to thanking his coaches, support staff, college trainers and loved ones for their support through the years, Jason Kelce also gave a special shoutout to his wife Kylie Kelce, with whom he shares three children.
“I think it’s no coincidence, I have enjoyed my best years of my career with Kylie by my side,” he said. “Every accolade I have ever received as come with her in my life. She’s brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and, of course, a swift kick in the a– from time to time.”
Jason Kelce gained unique recognition as a center, particularly for the outsized role he played as an offensive lineman, a position that generally does not garner much fanfare.
He is widely considered one of the best centers of his generation, a claim legitimized by his six All-Pro team selections, a distinction awarded at the end of each season.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce announces his retirement during a press conference in Philadelphia, March 4, 2024.
Matt Rourke/AP
Last month, during an appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq”, Jason Kelce opened up about his possible retirement, stating that he was still “figuring it out” at the time.
His comments came a few weeks after the Eagles’ season-ending loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL playoffs on Jan. 15, after which reports surfaced that Jason Kelce had announced his retirement to his teammates shortly after the game.
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Kelce later denied those reports, saying on an episode of his “New Heights” podcast, which he hosts with brother Travis Kelce, that he wasn’t in the right mindset at that time to make such a big decision.
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce looks on from the sideline during the first half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, Jan 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla.
Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters
“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose,” he said at the time. “I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision.”
“When it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it will be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me,” he said.
Kelce then confirmed reports that he had addressed the Eagles after their loss.
“I got belief in every single one of you guys. Cherish the moments you have in this league,” he recalled telling the team.
After 13 seasons in the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from professional football. The news comes as a shock to many fans and teammates, as Kelce has been a staple of the Eagles’ offensive line for over a decade.
Kelce, who was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, quickly established himself as one of the league’s top centers. Known for his toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the field, Kelce was a key player in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII victory in 2018.
Throughout his career, Kelce was a model of consistency, starting in 142 out of 144 regular-season games and earning three Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. He was also known for his durability, playing through injuries and never missing a game due to injury until his final season.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Kelce expressed gratitude for his time with the Eagles and reflected on the highs and lows of his career. He thanked his coaches, teammates, and fans for their support and said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing other interests outside of football.
Kelce’s retirement leaves a significant void on the Eagles’ offensive line, as he was not only a talented player but also a vocal leader in the locker room. His absence will be felt both on and off the field, as he was known for his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates.
As fans and teammates bid farewell to Kelce, they can take comfort in knowing that he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. His impact on the Eagles and the NFL as a whole will not be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats to wear the green and white.
In conclusion, Jason Kelce’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL. His contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come, and his presence will be sorely missed on the field. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of service to the sport.
