Eagles general manager Howie Roseman recently spoke highly of Jason Kelce’s impact on and off the field, acknowledging the void left by the former center’s retirement in March.
In an appearance on ESPN, Roseman discussed the challenge of finding a successor to Kelce, who played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s offensive strategy, including the renowned ‘tush push’ and the Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2017.
When asked about Kelce’s significance to the franchise, Roseman emphasized that Kelce’s contributions were irreplaceable, both as a player and as a person. He described Kelce as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, highlighting his exceptional qualities on and off the field.
Roseman also paid tribute to another key Eagles player, Fletcher Cox, who retired this offseason. He acknowledged Cox’s significant impact on the organization and stressed the importance of mentoring young players to follow in the footsteps of Kelce and Cox, who exemplified dedication and passion for the game.
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‘The best and you don’t replace that,’ Roseman said. ‘And I think that it would be disingenuous to even pretend that we’re going to replace Jason Kelce. The person and the player. And I mean this is a first ballot HOFer, both on and off the field.
‘And so, I think for us we gotta continue to build the team. It’s the ultimate team game to understand that he is a huge loss.’
Reflecting on Kelce’s transition to ESPN as an analyst on ‘Monday Night Countdown,’ Roseman joked about McAfee’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the bond between former teammates. He expressed gratitude for the veterans who played pivotal roles in the Eagles’ journey and highlighted the value of their experience and leadership in shaping the team’s culture and success.
Despite the departure of Kelce and Cox, Roseman remains optimistic about the future, citing the potential of current players like Lane Johnson and Brandon Graham, who have been integral parts of the team since the early 2010s.
He expressed confidence in their ability to continue the legacy of excellence established by Kelce and Cox, potentially earning recognition in the NFL Hall of Fame in the future.
