It’s official! After 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce has tearfully announced his NFL retirement.
During a press conference on Monday, Mar. 4, Kelce appeared to be sobbing as he declared he was retiring. “Not a good start,” he joked.
Jason Kelce then opened up about his time in the NFL. “Although last season truly sucked, I wouldn’t trade my team with you or those teams for the world,” he continued.
“Everything happens for a reason. And I truly enjoyed my time with you coach. Sometimes, the flowers get knocked back a bit but the roots remain. And I can’t wait to watch as it re-blossoms next season.”
Jason Kelce then recalled various moments with NFL coaches Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, and Doug Pederson.
According to Fox News, Kelce played in 193 games during his NFL career. This is the second most in team history. He made 156 consecutive starts, which is an Eagles franchise record. Kelce is notably a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection.
Kelce was also the Eagles’ sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft. He and the Eagles won the 2018 Super Bowl. He went on to face his brother, Chiefs tight end Travis, in the 2023 Super Bowl. Travis was present while Jason made his retirement announcement.
Speculation over Jason Kelce’s retirement occurred after the Eagles lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Round.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie Respond to Jason Kelce’s Retirement News
In a statement, the Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie responded to Jason Kelce’s retirement announcement.
“It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organization, to the City of Philadelphia, and to our fans,” Lurie shared. “He gave everything he had to all of us for 13 years, and he did it in a way that was truly authentic.”
“Jason was an incredible football player; a future Hall of Famer who would have been successful anywhere. But has there ever been a more perfect marriage between a player, a city, and a team?”
Lurie further opened up about Kelce’s determination, intelligence, and versatility. “From starting as a rookie center in a lockout season to thriving under multiple coaches and offensive schemes, set him apart from others at his position.”
“The genuine love and care he showed his coaches, teammates, and staff endeared him to all he worked alongside. The passion and intensity that he poured into everything he did, both on and off the field, made a city fall in love.”
Lurie went on to add that it has been a pleasure to watch Jason Kelce’s career and getting to know him as well as his family. “We wish all the best for Jason, Kylie, and their three wonderful daughters as they begin the next chapter together.”