Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL after a distinguished career spanning 13 seasons.
Kelce hosted a heartfelt press conference at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Monday, lasting 45 minutes. His parents, Ed and Donna, as well as his brother Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, were present for the event.
The 36-year-old, clad in an Eagles T-shirt with no sleeves, began to sob uncontrollably as soon as they put it on.
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“Let’s see how much staying power this has,” Kelce remarked.
Kelce, during his emotional press conference, reflected on his illustrious career with the Eagles and expressed gratitude towards those who supported him throughout his journey, both in Philadelphia and since his childhood.
Kelce has had a 13-year tenure with the Eagles, securing a Super Bowl victory and producing two Christmas albums.
“My lifelong dream has been to spend my entire career representing one city, and Philadelphia has been the perfect match,” Kelce shared. “Though I’m unsure of what the future holds, I’m eagerly anticipating the fresh challenges and possibilities that await.” I will always carry the lessons learned during my time here, and I’m proud to share the bond of being a Philadelphian with all of you.”
Philadelphia selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft from the University of Cincinnati. Throughout his career, he played under four different head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Throughout his career, Kelce earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named an All-Pro six times. He achieved both accolades in 2023.
“I have to confess, I’ve been greatly overrated. In fact, vastly overrated,” Kelce admitted. “But it’s been a journey of hard work and determination to reach this point. I’ve always been the underdog throughout my career, and I genuinely wish I still were. There’s nothing quite like proving someone wrong to bring me joy. My mother used to say, and still does, ‘If you want Jason to do something, just tell him he can’t.’ And there’s truth to that in more ways than I care to admit. Doubters have always fueled a fire within me.”
Kelce becomes eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2029.
“It’s hard to express just how much Jason Kelce has meant to our organization, the city of Philadelphia, and our fans,” stated Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie in a heartfelt message. “For 13 years, he poured his heart and soul into everything he did for us. He was not only an exceptional football player but also a true embodiment of authenticity. Jason’s talent on the field was undeniable, and he would have excelled anywhere he went. But the bond between him, the city, and the team was something truly special.”
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland took to social media to express his gratitude towards Kelce, a player highly respected by many.
“Jason, over the past 11 seasons, some of my best coaching memories involve you. I’m incredibly proud of the player you’ve become and the legacy you have crafted. Your absence will be felt deeply by me. Serving as your coach has been an honor, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations on an extraordinary career,” Stoutland wrote on X.
Kelce on Super Bowl LII parade speech
Kelce has earned legendary status in Philadelphia, thanks to his remarkable performances on the field and his positive impact off it. He embraced the city as his own and delivered an unforgettable speech during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade in 2018, etching his name in sports history as one of the most memorable moments.
The individual, aged 36, stated on Monday that the powerful speech did not originate from him; instead, he credited it to Philadelphia.
“I’ll always remember the parade and its significance for Philadelphia. It brought immense joy to our community and provided closure for many. The stories from fans who had waited generations for that moment made the victory even more meaningful,” Kelce reflected.
During the parade route, I encountered a woman carrying the ashes of a deceased loved one, fulfilling a promise that they wouldn’t miss the celebration if the Eagles ever won the championship. This poignant moment served as a powerful symbol of our shared experiences as players, as a team, and as members of the city of Philadelphia. The speech that followed practically wrote itself, embodying the collective spirit and passion of our community. It wasn’t just my speech; it belonged to all of Philadelphia.
“A great blessing to play” in Philadelphia Eagles Star center
During his press conference, Kelce expressed gratitude towards all those who contributed to his successful NFL Hall of Fame career, including his parents, his high school band teacher, as well as coaches Reid, Sirianni, and Stoutland.
Kelce discussed his bond with his brother and shared his experiences playing in the “most fervent sports city in America.”
“It feels fitting that I’ve found my calling fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love,” Kelce remarked.
Kelce outlined the key qualities necessary for athletes to thrive in Philadelphia.
“Some individuals find it difficult to cope with the challenges of living in this city—the criticism, media scrutiny, and the fervent passion of our fans,” Kelce expressed. “Yet, I view it as a tremendous privilege to compete in the most devoted sports community in the nation. The relentless desire for victory in this city drives our organization to take risks, address issues, and dedicate ourselves tirelessly to achieving success.”
Here’s more from Kelce about playing in Philadelphia Eagles center.
Sometimes, athletes, especially those new to the city, may initially dislike it, but with time they come to appreciate Philadelphia’s unique passion and loyalty. The city has a special way of celebrating its own, turning athletes into revered figures, even those from past decades. The Eagles hold the top spot in the hearts of the city’s residents, dominating conversations and capturing attention like no other.
With such a high level of attention, you must be prepared to endure the inevitable challenges and criticism. People will not hesitate to point out your shortcomings, but they will also embrace you if you demonstrate determination, passion, and a strong work ethic. Embracing the city with the same love and devotion as you would for your own family will earn you the affection and support of its residents.
To earn the love of fans, it’s essential to go above and beyond, demonstrating genuine care for the team and its community. For generations, this town has invested deeply in its team, and they expect nothing less than unwavering dedication and effort from every player. Instead of making excuses or showing indifference, embrace the fans and media as if they were family. Give your all on the field, wear your heart on your sleeve, and watch as you transform the perception of yourself and the team.
Source: CBS news
