Philadelphia Eagles Legend Jason Kelce Announces Retirement: A Tribute to a Hall of Fame Career

In a heartfelt, tear-filled speech on Monday, Jason Kelce, the star center for the Philadelphia Eagles, announced his retirement, marking the end of a remarkable career that included six postseason appearances and two Super Bowl trips in the last seven seasons.

Wearing an Eagles T-shirt, Kelce, 36, reminisced about his deep connection to football, describing the sport as a visceral experience unlike any other. Despite the intense emotions, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play and the support of his family, including his parents, wife Kylie, and brother Travis Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, Kelce spent his entire 13-year career with the Eagles, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and six first-team All-Pro honors. He reflected on his journey, from being an underdog to establishing himself as one of the best centers in NFL history.

Kelce’s retirement had been on his mind for some time, with reports indicating that he informed teammates of his decision after the team’s wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January.

Teammates and coaches praised Kelce’s leadership, passion, and resilience throughout his career. Despite facing challenges and injuries, he set a franchise record by starting 156 consecutive regular-season games.

Kelce’s impact extended beyond the field, as he endeared himself to the city of Philadelphia with his fiery speech at the Super Bowl parade in 2017. He also explored opportunities beyond football, including broadcasting, with several networks expressing interest in his post-playing career.

As Kelce embarks on the next chapter of his life, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie expresses both sadness at seeing him leave the field and excitement for what lies ahead. Kelce’s legacy as a player and a person will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the Eagles organization and the NFL as a whole.