Jason Kelce, the All-Pro center and fan-favorite of the Philadelphia Eagles, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.Ā Kelce informed his teammates of his decision in the locker room after the Eaglesā playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. Kelce, who spent his entire career with the Eagles, is widely regarded as one of the best centers in the league and a legend in Philadelphia.
Kelceās NFL Career
Kelce was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and quickly established himself as a starter and a leader on the offensive line.Ā He played in 193 regular-season games and 12 postseason games, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors. He was also a key member of the Eaglesā Super Bowl LII championship team, which defeated the New England Patriots in 2018.Ā Kelce delivered a memorable speech at the victory parade, wearing a colorful Mummers costume and praising his teammates and coaches.
Kelce also made history in 2023, when he faced his younger brother, Travis Kelce, the star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, in Super Bowl LV.Ā It was the first time that two brothers played against each other in the Super Bowl.Ā The Chiefs won the game, 31-20, but the Kelce brothers shared a hug and exchanged jerseys after the game.
Kelceās Retirement
Kelce had been contemplating retirement for the past few seasons, as he dealt with various injuries and the physical toll of playing in the NFL.Ā He said in a documentary in 2022 that it was getting harder and harder to stay healthy. He also hinted at his retirement plans in an Instagram post in February 2023, saying that he was āleaning towards retirementā but wanted to āsee how my body feels and speak to my family before making any decisionsā.
However, Kelce decided to return for another season in 2023, after the Eaglesā new head coach, Nick Sirianni, sent him two kegs of beer to persuade him to stay. Kelce said that he was impressed by Sirianniās energy and enthusiasm, and that he wanted to help the young team grow. Kelce played in all 17 regular-season games and the playoff game, helping the Eagles clinch the NFC East title and reach the postseason with a 10-7 record.
Eagles Fans React
Kelceās retirement announcement was met with an outpouring of gratitude and admiration from Eagles fans, who considered him as one of the greatest players and personalities in the franchiseās history. Kelce was known for his passion, toughness, intelligence, and humor, as well as his involvement in the community. He was nicknamed the āKing of South Phillyā by the fans, who often chanted his name at the games.
Kelceās retirement also had an emotional impact on many fans, who grew up watching him play and inspire them. Some fans shared their favorite memories of Kelce on social media, such as his Super Bowl speech, his Mummers costume, his brotherly bond with Travis, and his interactions with the fans. Some fans also expressed their sadness and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
Conclusion
Jason Kelce is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and charisma. Kelce is one of the most decorated and beloved players in the Eaglesā history, and a potential Hall of Famer. He will be greatly missed by his teammates, coaches, and fans, who will always remember him as the āKing of South Phillyā.
