- After 13 seasons, Philadelphia Eagles centre Jason Kelce has formally retired from the National Football League.
At the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia on Monday, Kelce gave a tearful 45-minute press conference that was attended by his brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and parents, Ed and Donna.
The 36-year-old started crying as soon as she put on a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt.
“Let’s see how long this lasts,” Kelce remarked.
Jason Kelce leaves with an emotional
In a tearful press conference, Kelce recapped his incredible journey with the Eagles and expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported him from his early years in Philadelphia to the top.
In addition to winning a Super Bowl and releasing two Christmas CDs, Kelce spent 13 seasons as an Eagles player.
“Playing my entire career in one city has always been my dream. And even if I had tried, I couldn’t have imagined a better one or a greater fit,” Kelce remarked. “I’m excited for the upcoming prospects and challenges, even if I have no idea what lies ahead. And I’m aware that I’ll always be able to connect with other Philadelphians through the things I’ve learned throughout my stay here.”
In the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Philadelphia selected University of Cincinnati product Kelce. Andy Reid, Doug Pederson, Nick Sirianni, and Chip Kelly were the four head coaches he played for.
Throughout his career, Kelce was selected for seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pro selections. He and 2023 were both.
“I have to say that I was officially overrated. Extremely overvalued, “Kelece stated. “But getting here required a great deal of perseverance and hard work. Throughout my entire career, I have been the underdog, and I sincerely hope that I still am. I was happiest when I proved someone else wrong. “If you want Jason to do something, all you have to do is tell him he can’t,” my mother used to say, and she still does. And that was more accurate than I would want to acknowledge. I love sceptics because they fed my inner fire.”
In 2029, Kelce will be qualified to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wrote a lengthy statement that was uploaded to X, saying, “It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organisation, to the City of Philadelphia, and to our fans.” For thirteen years, he gave us all everything. And he carried it out in a really genuine manner. Jason was a fantastic football player who could have played anywhere and is sure to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. However, has a player, a city, and a team ever had a more ideal union?”
Highly rated offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland of the Eagles thanked Kelce in a social media post.
“Jamie, Over the past 11 seasons, working with you has been a part of some of my favourite coaching memories. I’m incredibly proud of the player you’ve developed into and the legacy you’ve left behind. Having you at my side will be missed. Stoutland wrote on X, “It’s been an honour & I congratulate you on an incredible career.”
Kelce’s speech from the Super Bowl LII parade
In Philadelphia, both on and off the pitch, Kelce has established himself as a legend. His 2018 tirade during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade will go down in sports history as one of the most famous ones. He adopted the city as his second home.
The 36-year-old claimed on Monday that Philadelphia owns the historic speech, not him.
“I will always remember the parade and its significance to Philadelphia.” How happy our community was, and how many people it provided closure for. That victory was further enhanced by the testimonies of the supporters who had been waiting for that day for decades, according to Kelce.
“I met a woman on the way who had promised not to miss the parade if the Eagles had ever won. She had ashes of a deceased relative. A speech that had written itself, representing the lives we all led as individuals, as a team, and as a community. I did not make that speech. It belonged to Philadelphia.”
In his press conference, Kelce thanked everyone who supported him on his journey to become an NFL Hall of Fame player, including Reid, Sirianni, Stoutland, his parents, and his high school music instructor.
In addition, Kelce discussed his brother’s connection with him and his experience as a player in the “most passionate sports town in America.”
“It’s only poetic that I found my career being fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love,” remarked Kelce. “I knew that relationship all too well.”
Kelce continued by outlining the requirements for an athlete to succeed in Philadelphia.
“There are many that suffer in our city. They’re not able to handle our fans, the media, or the jeers,” stated Kelce. I see playing in America’s most fervent sports town as a huge blessing. This city’s intense need to win has motivated our organisation to take risks, solve issues, and put in endless hours of labour in order to succeed.”
Kelce talks more about playing in Philadelphia here.
As an athlete, you may detest it at times, especially if you’re new to the area, but after a while you grow to love it. Philadelphia is the only city that truly honours its own. In this city, athletes—even those whose exploits date back decades—become gods. The Eagles are the biggest draw in town and the topic of conversation almost constantly.
However, with that level of attention, you had better be prepared to rise beyond the inevitable low points and endure the criticism. Sure, they will let you know if you’re not working up to par. Each and every time. If you put in the work, are aggressive, have the will to fight, and desire, they will also love you. If you love this city as much as you love your brother, they will love you too.
Going above and beyond to demonstrate your concern for others will win their love. This town’s residents have been passionate about this team for centuries, and they won’t take no for an answer or any kind of soft-[expletive] drivel that represents the name on the jersey—something they have dedicated their entire lives to—any longer. It’s really simple to become out of sync with what the media and fans are saying about you as a player. Adore them. Behave as though they were your brothers. Then leave to play your balls off. I promise you can alter such narratives if you put your heart on your sleeve.”