Jason Kelce, an Eagles icon, speaks with John Clark about life after football and his expectations for the 2024 Eagles.
In March, Jason Kelce announced his retirement following a Hall of Fame career. However, he has spent a significant amount of time at the NovaCare Complex this spring.
Part of the reason is that he still appreciates being with his former Eagles teammates.
“Part of it is that,” Kelce told John Clark at the Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational on Monday afternoon. “Part of it is simply receiving a free lift down to the NovaCare. I’ve been accustomed to going down there. I adore going down there. It keeps me engaged in it. Whether it’s being among the boys or the coaches, my mind is focused on the game and what teams are doing to prepare for the upcoming season. And things the defense is preparing to do.
“The game is constantly evolving, and if you want to be informed about it, you must stay active, stay around the game, and stay around the players and coaches that play it. For me, it’s almost like getting two for one. I get to work out and explore a little bit.”
At rookie minicamp, sixth-round center Dylan McMahon stated that Kelce provided him his phone number and promised to assist with anything he could. That also applies to starter center Cam Jurgens and many other players on the club. Kelce wants to remain a resource even though he is no longer playing.
Kelce, 36, retired in March after 13 seasons, seven Pro Bowls, and six All-Pro selections, and his perspective on the 2024 season will be vastly different. Kelce has joined ESPN as an analyst on Monday Night Countdown.
That means he’ll be talking about the Eagles in their Week 2 home opener against Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons.
“It’s insane. “The home opener is in Philadelphia,” Kelce added. “I’ll be right back here.” I think it’ll be a great environment. It will be interesting to experience it from the opposite side for the first time. I believe it will be; we will take it in. “We’ll see how things go.”
When questioned about his new position as an analyst, Kelce stated he doesn’t expect being critical to be the most difficult aspect. He has always viewed the game with a critical eye and hopes to carry that over into his broadcasting career. The only difference is that he will be expressing his thoughts with millions of football fans in their homes.
If you’re wondering what Kelce thinks about the 2024 Eagles, he predicts his former squad to do well this season.
“I feel great about this season, quite frankly,” stated Kelce. “I’m terribly upset that I won’t be there with them. I am confident that the Philadelphia Eagles will have a terrific season. So I am looking forward to seeing that.”
Kelce expressed unhappiness with how the Eagles’ 2023 season ended with a historic collapse but has high hopes for the 2024 season after the team added OC Kellen Moore and DC Vic Fangio.
Kelce hopes to be able to witness some Eagles games in person this season. Perhaps he’ll even make it to a few tailgates. We all saw how much he enjoyed tailgating for his brother’s game in Buffalo last season.
“For sure, depending on the night,” Kelce added. “I’m not sure how much Bills mafia tailgating I’ll do Sunday before I have to work Monday. But I’m confident we can discover some days that will work extremely nicely. That’s one of the things I’m looking forward to most this year as a non-player. This is the first year I can simply observe the NFL landscape…
“Now I’ll be able to sit on my couch, watch all of the games, and attend games. I’ll be able to enjoy tailgating as I did in Buffalo, where it was a pleasure to be on that side of the game. I’m looking forward to it to some extent. Certainly, that does not overcome the pain of having to watch it while not being present, but every stage of life has a purpose. And I’m looking forward to having time for myself.