The Heartwarming Bond Between an Eagles Trainer and Jason Kelce Despite Cancer Challenge

Jason Kelce's retirement announcement brought forth a wave of emotions from across the NFL, especially from the former Philadelphia Eagles center himself.

In a tearful press conference on Monday, Kelce officially ended his impressive 13-season career in the league, all of which he spent with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Longtime Eagles trainer Joe O’Pella played a role in Kelce’s retirement announcement, just as they had done throughout Kelce’s time in Philly.

In a touching Instagram post, O’Pella shared that he was unable to attend the Eagles’ last game of the season, which happened to be Kelce’s final NFL game, due to his cancer diagnosis. As a result, he missed the chance to tape Kelce’s ankles and thumbs for the last time.

That was a job that O’Pella had done for the past 13 years.

So, in a poignant move, Kelce allowed O’Pella to tape his ankles and thumbs one last time for Monday’s retirement announcement.

"You all know about the on-field accomplishments, and many of the off-the-field ones too, but what this man has meant to me and now my family over the past decade plus is nearly indescribable,” O’Pella expressed.

"From being his Wing Bowl ‘cornerman,’ to hour long rehab sessions followed by nights out on the town, to sleeping on each other’s couches to being at each other’s weddings, to Sea Isle City Polar Bear Plunges to Super Bowl appearances and a ring, we were there doing it together."

During my final season, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo radiation and chemo. Despite this difficult time, my friend offered his shore house for me to get away if needed. He even offered to pay for meal services to support my wife and me. He would randomly call to check on me when I was too sick to go out because of chemo. That's just the kind of person he is.

During Kelce's second year with the Eagles, O’Pella approached the team's head trainer to request taking care of the center's physical rehabilitation following a knee ligament injury.

Despite taping the ankles and thumbs of a player for 13 seasons, O’Pella sadly missed the last game in Tampa due to battling cancer. When the player mentioned his retirement, O’Pella expressed regret for not being able to tape him one last time. Surprisingly, the player offered to have O’Pella tape him for his retirement press conference.

O’Pella expressed that the events of the next 12+ years would greatly affect his life in ways he never expected. He shared a post about his relationship with Kelce, accompanied by several photos of their time together in Philadelphia.

Among the photos are ones of the two friends proudly displaying their Super Bowl rings and fun selfies they snapped together.

He ended the post by congratulating the Kelce family on their Hall of Fame career both on and off the field.

Congratulations on retirement, Jason! You are not just Kylie's husband, but also the amazing dad to Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett. You have been a dedicated center for the Eagles and an iconic figure in Philadelphia. As your sister, I am so proud of you and excited for what the future holds. Love you!

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a moving portrait of the profound bond between Jason Kelce and longtime Eagles trainer Joe O'Pella. Their relationship, forged over 13 seasons, transcends the boundaries of professional sports. O'Pella's unwavering support and friendship have extended beyond the sidelines, providing Kelce with solace and assistance during his cancer diagnosis. The poignant gesture of allowing O'Pella to tape his ankles and thumbs for his retirement announcement is a testament to their enduring connection.

The article highlights the transformative power of human relationships and the importance of cherishing those who have been instrumental in our lives. Kelce's recognition of O'Pella's contributions and their shared experiences underscores the significance of gratitude and the lasting impact that true friendships can have on our well-being and memories.