Eagles Center Jason Kelce Intends to Retire After 13 NFL Seasons
PHILADELPHIA — Jason Kelce stood on the sideline in tears as the final seconds ticked off in his likely final NFL game. Kelce embraced his long-time offensive line coach. He removed his helmet once the game ended — a Philadelphia Eagles loss that completed a harrowing season-ending collapse — and extended his hand to familiar faces in the stands.
What Kelce knew then — what the gregarious center couldn't bring himself to say when he declined to speak to the media in the aftermath of the defeat — was that his career was over.
The 36-year-old Kelce was waivered on retirement over the last few seasons. Coach Nick Sirianni once added to Kelce’s mythology by shipping a keg of beer to the center’s home to entice him to return in 2022.
Read More: Why Are Lefty Quarterbacks Like Michael Penix Jr. Still So Rare?
He has been the heart of the Eagles, a hero on the Philadelphia sports scene, a Super Bowl champion. But after 13 seasons, 156 straight starts and six All-Pro Team selections, Kelce has told teammates he intends to retire, three people informed of the decision told The Associated Press.
They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday out of respect for Kelce's decision, which he has not yet made public.
“The goat!!!. Appreciate ya big time,” Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. wrote on social media.
Kelce could explain his decision as early as Wednesday, when the next episode of the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was expected to drop. The brothers played each other last season in the Super Bowl that was won by the Chiefs.
Read More: Swifties Are Studying Up on Football After Taylor Swift Went to the Chiefs Game
“I love him. Yeah, obviously we’re not there at that position yet, ready to talk about that, but he’s special and I love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after a 32-9 loss to Tampa Bay. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here and always want him to play.”
The burly, bushy-haired and bearded Kelce has been a stalwart of the offensive line since he was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft. He turned into an Iron Man after he missed most of the 2012 season with a partially torn MCL and torn ACL.
Kelce's credentials go far beyond football. He's a podcast co-host. He was the subject of the “Kelce” documentary. Heck, Kelce was even named one of People magazine's Sexiest Men for 2023, alongside Timothée Chalamet and Jamie Foxx.
He’s a beloved Philly personality that has done everything from belting out holiday hits on a pair of Christmas albums and playing celebrity bartender on the beach. Kelce performed the national anthem at a 76ers game and partied with the Phanatic while he pounded a beer to a roaring ovation at a Phillies postseason game.
Comments
Post a Comment