On Monday, emotions ran high as Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce tearfully announced his retirement from the NFL after an illustrious 13-season career.
With tears in his eyes, Jason humorously quipped, “Not a good start,” before delving into a heartfelt poem reflecting on his time on the field and his deep love for the sport.
During his emotional announcement, Jason reminisced about his journey in football, expressing gratitude to everyone who had supported him along the way, including his parents, Donna and Ed, his brother Travis, and his wife Kylie, all of whom were present for the occasion.
The presence of Jason’s family, particularly his brother Travis, who was seen shedding tears during the speech, added to the emotional atmosphere of the event.
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Selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, Jason dedicated his entire career to the team, achieving remarkable success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2018 and seven Pro Bowl selections.
One of the most memorable moments of Jason’s career was leading the Eagles to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they faced off against his brother Travis Kelce’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a thrilling matchup that ended in defeat.
Speculation about Jason’s retirement surfaced in January following the Eagles’ season-ending loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He confirmed the news to his teammates in the locker room, signaling the end of his playing days.
Throughout his career, Jason had contemplated retirement on several occasions, but this time, the decision was final, as confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jason’s emotional reaction to his team’s loss was evident, and cameras captured the raw emotion as he walked off the field toward his wife Kylie and father Ed Kelce, who stood by his side in the front row.
In March 2023, Jason had initially announced his decision to return for another season after careful consideration and discussions with his loved ones. However, now, he bids farewell to the game he loves, leaving behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and memorable achievements.
Jason and Kylie, proud parents of three daughters, Wyatt Elizabeth, Elliotte Ray, and Bennett Llewellyn, embark on the next chapter of their lives, cherishing the memories and experiences gained throughout Jason’s remarkable NFL career.
