Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce Retires from the NFL
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL, marking the end of a remarkable 13-season career with the Eagles. The news comes after the Eagles' playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Kelce's teammates and coaches expressing their admiration and appreciation for his impact on the team and the city of Philadelphia.
The Retirement Announcement
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has told his teammates he is retiring from the NFL, according to multiple reports. ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo both reported the news Tuesday morning, following the Eagles' 32-9 playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kelce, who was visibly emotional after the loss, did not speak with reporters after the game. CNN Sport has reached out to the Eagles and Kelce's agent for comment.
Kelce, 36, spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Eagles and won Super Bowl LII in February 2018. Last season, his team came up short in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs and his younger brother Travis Kelce. It was the first time that two brothers played against each other in a Super Bowl.
After the Eagles' playoff defeat at the hands of the Bucs, Philly QB Jalen Hurts paid tribute to Kelce's impact on the city of Philadelphia as a whole. 'He's a legend in the city. Really in the league,' Hurts told reporters. 'I don't want to do a disservice to him and the things he's been able to do and overcome. 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.' Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni also praised Kelce's influence: '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.'
Kelce's Impact and Legacy
Jason Kelce, a likely future Pro Football Hall of Famer, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection. His contributions to the Eagles and the NFL have solidified his status as one of the most respected players in the league. Kelce's dedication and passion for the game have been evident throughout his illustrious career, and his impact on the city of Philadelphia extends far beyond his on-field performance.
Travis and Jason Kelce embrace after Super Bowl LVII.
Travis and Jason Kelce embrace after Super Bowl LVII.
Tributes and Reflections
After the Eagles' playoff defeat at the hands of the Bucs, Philly QB Jalen Hurts paid tribute to Kelce's impact on the city of Philadelphia as a whole. 'He's a legend in the city. Really in the league,' Hurts told reporters. 'I don't want to do a disservice to him and the things he's been able to do and overcome. 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.' Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni also praised Kelce's influence: '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.'
