Earlier this year, Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL, marking the end of a remarkable career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite his continued presence at the Eagles’ training camp, where he’s been a familiar face, Kelce has made it clear that he intends to stay retired.
Kelce, who was a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line, explained that he has undergone significant changes since hanging up his cleats, including losing a considerable amount of weight. This transformation, he says, solidifies his decision to remain retired, as he no longer maintains the physical build necessary to play at the professional level.
“They’re not going to call me to come back and play center at 260 pounds, and I’m moving on to the next thing,” Kelce told the Associated Press. “I’m excited to watch Cam [Jurgens]. I really think Cam is going to be tremendous this year. He’s going to really show people how great of a player he is. He was good for us last year at right guard, and he’s going to flourish at center.”
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During his playing days, Kelce weighed in at around 295 pounds, but since his retirement at the beginning of 2024, he has slimmed down to 275 pounds. His goal is to eventually reach 260 pounds, mirroring the post-retirement transformations of other former offensive linemen who have shed significant weight after leaving the game.
Kelce’s weight loss is more than just a personal goal; it’s also a symbolic gesture that reinforces his commitment to moving on from his playing career. He emphasized that his days of suiting up for the Eagles are definitively over, shutting down any speculation about a possible return.
“For me personally, my days of playing are just done, and I do not foresee any scenario taking place—other than maybe medicine inventing a way to get rid of arthritis—that I would ever entertain coming back at all anymore,” said Kelce, a six-time All-Pro who left an indelible mark on the league.
Kelce retired as one of the most revered players of his generation and is widely expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible for induction in 2029, five years after his retirement.
