Jason Kelce has been a mainstay in the NFL ever since he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 draft. Throughout his tenure with the team, Kelce has been a key contributor, aiding the Eagles in securing a Super Bowl victory and orchestrating numerous comeback wins that used to delight fans occasionally.
However, after a disappointing season that culminated in a playoff exit, the veteran center has made the difficult decision to hang up his cleats and bid farewell to the game he loves.
Jason Kelce announces NFL retirement
When Jason Kelce called for a press conference on Monday, football enthusiasts were filled with anticipation, speculating on the announcement that the seasoned player was about to make. Shutting down his fans’ earlier projection, the 13-season vet at last confirmed their suspicions, officially declaring his retirement from the NFL.
“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.
During his tear-filled press conference, the lone Super Bowl winner reflected on his illustrious career with the Eagles, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have played his entire tenure in one city.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city. And I couldn’t have dreamt a better one and a better fit if I tried. I don’t know what’s next, but I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await. And I know that I carry with me the lessons from my time here and that forever we can all share the bond of being Philadelphians.”
Following the Eagles’ playoff defeat, NFL insider Adam Schefter initially reported that Kelce had informed some teammates about his retirement plans, per CNN.
However, Kelce dispelled this notion, and even his brother, Travis Kelce, emphasized that Jason still had much to showcase in terms of his skill and prowess on the field.
Interestingly, Saquon Barkley’s words of inspiration and encouragement for Kelce to embrace retirement might have influenced his decision to bid farewell to the game.
During a recent appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” the father of three angels engaged in a reflective conversation with Shaquille O’Neal about the sacrifices athletes make for their careers. Shaq shared his own experience of losing his family due to prioritizing his career, prompting Kelce to acknowledge that he was still “figuring it out” at the time.
Looking back at Jason Kelce NFL career
Throughout his remarkable 13-season journey, Jason Kelce put forward unparalleled durability by participating in an impressive 193 out of 211 regular-season games. The 36-year-old center solidified his place in one Eagles’ roster with a significant one-year, $14.25 million deal, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.
His exceptional performance on the field was highlighted by a remarkable 80.7 grade from Pro Football Focus, making him the highest-graded center among those who played 1,000 snaps.
The Eagles selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft from the University of Cincinnati, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that spanned four head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Throughout his career, Kelce achieved extraordinary success, earning six First Team All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl honors, and a Super Bowl title in 2018. This places Kelce among elite company, alongside NFL legends like Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson, and Jim Ringo, as one of only five centers with at least six All-Pro selections.
As Kelce bid farewell to the NFL with his retirement announcement, the touching moment that left fans emotional was his last exit from the field with teary eyes and an air of frustration.
