After 13 seasons in the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has reportedly made the decision to retire. Three anonymous sources confirmed the news to The Associated Press, speaking on the condition of anonymity to respect Kelce's yet-to-be-announced decision.
Kelce, who was visibly emotional during the Eagles' recent 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card game, declined to discuss his future plans with the media following the match. This is not the first time the respected team leader has toyed with the idea of retirement, as he has previously wavered before ultimately deciding to return for another shot at the Super Bowl.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed his admiration for Kelce, saying, '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. 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 36-year-old Kelce, a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The two siblings faced off against each other in last year's Super Bowl, with Travis emerging victorious as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers. The Kelce brothers also co-host a podcast together.
Throughout his career, the burly and bearded Kelce has been a rock on the Eagles' offensive line, earning a reputation as an iron man after battling back from a partially torn MCL and torn ACL that caused him to miss the majority of the 2012 season. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kelce has endeared himself to the city of Philadelphia, engaging in various off-field activities such as singing the national anthem at a 76ers game, partying with the Phillie Phanatic, and famously chugging a beer to a roaring ovation at a Phillies postseason game.
However, it was Kelce's iconic moment during the 2018 Super Bowl parade that solidified his place in the hearts of Philadelphia fans. Dressed as one of the city's famous Mummers, Kelce delivered a passionate and profanity-laden speech, rallying the crowd with his unapologetic love for Philadelphia. His words, 'No one likes us! No one likes us! No one likes us! We don't care. We're from Philly! (Expletive) Philly. No one likes us! We don't care!' instantly became an anthem for Eagles supporters.
Kelce's impact extends beyond the football field, as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts expressed his gratitude and admiration for the veteran center. 'He's a legend in the city. Really in the league,' Hurts said. 'His journey to where he is now didn't come easy. It's been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I've been here it's been, are you going to come back? But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I've learned from him. He'll forever have a special place in my heart.'
Kelce's retirement marks the end of an era in Philadelphia. As news of his decision becomes public, fans and teammates alike will undoubtedly reflect on his impressive career and the indelible mark he has left on the city. Without a doubt, Jason Kelce will be remembered as a beloved figure in both the Eagles organization and the NFL as a whole.
