In a heartwarming and spirited address at the Philadelphia Eagles training camp, retired center Jason Kelce shared his insights on what it takes to thrive in the NFL.
His speech, delivered with passion and conviction, left a lasting impression on the team.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence — talent will not,” the retired Eagles center emphatically stated in a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, July 22. His words came just before players were required to report to the NovaCare Complex on July 23 and commence their first practice on July 24.
Kelce continued, “I was a walk-on coming out of high school. They told me I wasn’t good enough. So I got drafted, and everyone said I was too small, that I didn’t have what it takes.” Despite these doubts, the University of Cincinnati alum secured a starting spot on the team and, over 13 seasons, established himself as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
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In March, Kelce announced his retirement from the sport.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in June, he disclosed that the decision had been on his mind for a long time. “I’ll be very honest, the last four years I’ve wanted to retire at the end of seasons,” Kelce admitted. “The reality is it’s really hard to get there. Even after we lost the Super Bowl, I wanted to come back and play for another Super Bowl. But imagining another 17 games on top of playoffs and coming back was very difficult to envision being able to do.”
During an extensive 40-minute speech at the Philadelphia Eagles Training Center on March 4, Kelce reminisced about his love for the game, which began during his childhood in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He shared memories from his youth, college days, and his NFL career, reflecting on the journey that led him to where he is today.
Now, as Kelce transitions into life after football, he is set to embark on new ventures, including roles as a pitchman and a broadcaster on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown.
However, his remarkable career achievements remain vivid in his mind, along with his thoughts on the pursuit of excellence.
“We are all so much better than you f—ing realize,” he passionately told his former teammates this week. “The human mind is f—ing incredible. Everyone here is here for a f—ing reason, I promise you.”
With his dynamic personality and motivational spirit, adding “hype man” to Jason Kelce’s list of post-NFL jobs seems like a natural fit.
His ability to inspire and uplift those around him will undoubtedly continue to make an impact, both on and off the field.
