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Jason Kelce of Philadelphia Eagles
Popularly known as the best center player of the Philadelphia Eagles and an active figure in the offensive line for over a decade in NFL matches, Jason Kelce is a one-time Super Bowl champion, seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and six-time first-team All-Pro. On Monday, Kelce officially announced his adieu from the NFL after 13 seasons in the league.
Jason Kelce’s Retirement Speech
During his tearful press conference at the Philadelphia Eagles Training Center in the NovaCare Complex, Jason Kelce, now 36 years old, fondly recalled his passion for the game. His journey began as a young boy in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and he went on to create lasting memories throughout his college and NFL career.
“So this all brings us here to today, where I announce that I am retiring,”
“Thank you, Philadelphia, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday.”
Jason Kelce said in a tearful tone, in his 40 minutes of speech he further quotes,
“Where I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated.”
As he continued his speech, with a grin, he said,
“It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here. I have been the underdog my entire career, and I mean this when I say it, I wish I still was.”
“This has been the best job in the world… I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. This city, this organization, my teammates, my coaches, the fans – it’s been an unbelievable ride.”
In his speech, Kelce thanked his coaches, his team players, and “Cafeteria workers”. He is also grateful for his wife Kylie McDevitt, his mom Donna, his dad Ed, and his brother Travis Kelce.
During the speech, Kelce paused many times in his emotional moments, and choking on his tears, he said,
“This is where it’s going to go off the rails.”
Kelce also talked about his special bond with Travis, crediting him for being his source of motivation and support throughout his career.
Kelce further quotes,
“We won countless Super Bowls in our minds, before even leaving the house,”
He also mentioned his mom’s fondest memories of drinking Capri Sun drinks, packing them for their days playing football.
In his speech, Kelce paid homage to his lifetime love story with football. He expressed and quotes,
“Stepping onto the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. It was a visceral experience unique to football, unlike any other sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up, and I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic, and then receive the simple affirmation, ‘Good job.’”
He further added, “I loved football, whether it was in my backyard with my brother, on the playground with my friends, or suiting up on Friday nights at Cleveland Heights High School. I loved everything about it.”
Kelce posted on X on Monday that his retirement announcement was forthcoming, and that had been contemplating retirement for more than a year.
His last match
Following a “disappointing” end to the Eagles’ season, which finished with a 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a wild-card playoff game on January 15, Kelce’s decision appeared to be etched on his face after the game.
During final calls, Jason Kelce hugged his long-time offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland. As a father of three, he fought back tears and scanned the stands, seeking out his family, including Kylie and Ed.
Previous discussion about retirement
Although initial reports suggested that Kelce had informed his teammates of his retirement plans after the game, the Eagles star later clarified that he had not yet made a decision. In a subsequent episode of his New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce podcast with Travis, recounted the words he shared with his fellow teammates after what turned out to be his final NFL game. He stated,
“When the time comes to make an official announcement about my future, it will be done in a definitive manner.”
“I did address the team and pretty much said, ‘I [believe] in every single one of you guys,’ ” he recalled. “Cherish your moments in this league.”
He further added,
“That’s kind of the way it went down. A lot of guys [said], ‘If that’s your last game, I feel sorry for you.’ Don’t feel sorry for me, my friends,” Kelce said, and then took a moment to compose himself. “Well, either way, I truly appreciated everybody in that room, and I’d go to war with them any day of the week… Enjoy the time you got.”
Health issues in the previous years
In his recent Prime documentary Titled Kelce, which debuted last year, the toll that the game was taking on his health—and the effect it was having on his young family—was a recurring theme.
He also expressed gratitude to the individuals who have played a significant role in shaping his successful career.
Previous this season, Kelce crushed a long-lasting Eagles record for consecutive starts. Yet, his journey has not been devoid of injuries.
Back in 2012, Kelce faced a torn MCL and a partial tear to his ACL. Undeterred, he quickly returned to the game. He played through the season in 2018 even with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and injuries to his foot, elbow, and shoulder. His spirit and commitment to the sport have left an engraved mark on the football world.
Afterward, the Eagles Super Bowl beat against his brother’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce uttered his internal tussle in the documentary. He openly expressed,
“Every logical thing is telling me I should stop playing football. I’ve got to tear my body apart.”
He further added,
“It’s getting harder and harder to play. There have been little things that are not big things yet but are going to turn into big things the longer I play.”
Kelce’s emotional scene with retired Eagles player Connor Barwin stated his concerns as a father to three kids: Wyatt (4 years old), Elliotte (3 years old), and Bennett (12 months). He shared,
“I am fearful about what the impacts of playing football are going to mean long-term. Some people end up getting CTE, while others live long, healthy lives. I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
What is Jason Kelce’s plan for the future?
At the end of January, Kelce stated to The Philadelphia Inquirer and conveyed his desire to remain associated with the Eagles organization, even if he’s no longer part of the team.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen for me, but I do know I still want to be involved in the organization and still want to be a part of it — regardless of what the decision is,”
“Because I don’t want to ever feel like I’m on the outside looking in on these achievements and these accolades and these opportunities that largely represent entire cities and fan bases and organizations.”
Now, Kelce is on the verge of a new chapter, envisioning the legacy he leav
