Ryan Kelly may be the longest-tenured player on the Indianapolis Colts roster but even he has someone to look up to. In his case, that comes in the form of Jason Kelce.
The longtime Philadelphia Eagles center announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after spending 13 seasons developing into one of the best players at his position in the history of the game.
Kelly, who has been a solid center throughout his career in his own right, paid a touching tribute to Kelce, someone he considers a role model.
Idolized this guy when he was playing for the bearcats. Once I got to the league he always made it a point to find me after the game and kept up with my career. One of the best to ever do it. Congrats brother! https://t.co/niLxAPi56e
— Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) March 4, 2024
Kelce’s work on the field speaks for itself. He was a six-time All-Pro First-Team selection and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He anchored an Eagles offensive line that helped with Super Bowl LII.
Kelly enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2023 after struggling to repeat his form during the two seasons prior. He’s also endured unimaginable hardship off the field, including the tragic loss of his unborn daughter toward the end of the 2021 season.
Kelly has one more season under contract with the Colts and will enter his age-31 season in 2024.
