Following an Opening Day setback and a rain delay on Saturday, the Philadelphia Phillies needed something to re-energize supporters for their second game of the 2024 season. And the squad accomplished that and more with the assistance of two beloved former Eagles, Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox.
On Saturday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies shared photographs of the former Eagles wearing jerseys that fans aren’t used to seeing them in.
Kelce and Cox’s ceremonial first pitch was announced on a recent episode of the former center’s “New Heights” podcast, which he cohosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“I’m throwing out a pitch, me and Fletcher Cox,” he added. “We’ll see how this goes. My elbow is no longer working, so I suppose Fletcher will have to do it.
The Eagles’ appearance at Citizens Bank Park did more than raise fan morale; it demonstrated that even professional sportsmen can become starstruck. The team subsequently shared further photographs, this time showing Kelce signing first baseman Bryce Harper’s cleats before the game.
Kelce and Cox, friends and former colleagues, announced their retirement within a week of each other in early March. Kelce announced his retirement during an emotional news conference in which he honored his family, teammates, and several persons who played an important role in his football career.
Cox approached his retirement from a different standpoint, making the big announcement via Instagram.
“After much thought, I have decided to retire from the game of football. “I gave everything I had to this team and this city,” Cox stated. “I’m not sure what’s ahead for me, but I’ll be forever grateful for my time in Philadelphia and with the Eagles organization. “Go birds!”
Kelce retired after 13 seasons, Cox after 12; both players spent their whole careers with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I fulfilled a lifelong dream by making it to the NFL, but what I didn’t know at the time was how much of an honor and privilege it would be to represent the City of Philadelphia and the Eagles organization for the next 12 seasons,” Cox wrote in his blog post announcing his retirement.