Philadelphia (CBS) – Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce has officially retired From the NFL after 13 seasons.
Kelce held an emotional, 45-minute press conference Monday at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia with his parents, Ed and Donna, and brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 36-year-old man was wearing a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt and immediately started crying.
“We’ll see how long this lasts,” Kelce said.
During his tearful press conference, Kelce reflected on his storied career with the Eagles and thanked those who helped him reach new heights in Philadelphia and throughout his childhood.
Kelce has played 13 seasons For the Eagles, won a Super Bowl and released two Christmas albums,
Kelce said, “Playing my entire career in the same city has always been my goal. And I couldn’t have dreamed of a better fit than this if I’d tried.” “I don’t know what’s next, but I’m looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities to come. And I know that I bring with me the lessons from my time here and that we will all forever cherish the bond of being Philadelphians.” Can share for.”
Philadelphia drafted Kelce out of the University of Cincinnati in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played for four head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni.
In his career, Kelce was named to seven Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro six times. They were both in 2023,
“I have to admit that I’m officially overrated. Very overrated,” Kelce said. “But it took a lot of hard work and determination to get here. I’ve been an underdog my entire career and when I say that I mean it, I wish I was still like that. Few things make me happier than proving someone wrong. My mother used to tell people and still tells people, ‘If you want Jason to do something, you just have to tell him he can’t.’ And that was true in more ways than I’d like to admit. I like doubters, they light a fire inside.”
Kelce will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame In 2029.
“It’s hard to put into words how much Jason Kelce means to this organization, the city of Philadelphia and our fans,” the Eagles owner said. Jeffrey Lurie said in a lengthy statement Posted on X. “He gave all of us his all for 13 years. And he did it in a way that was really authentic. Jason was an incredible football player; a future Hall of Famer who would have been successful anywhere. But does any player ever, Is there a more perfect marriage between a city and a team?”
Highly regarded Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland posted a message on social media thanking Kelce.
“Jason, some of my favorite coaching moments over the last 11 seasons have been with you. I’m so proud of the players you’ve worked with and the legacy you’ve built. I’ll miss having you with me. It’s It’s an honor for me and I congratulate you on an incredible career.” Stoutland posted on x,
Kelce on Super Bowl LII parade speech
Kelce has become a legend in Philadelphia both on and off the field. He adopted the city as his second home and his 2018 rant during the Eagles Super Bowl parade It will always be remembered as one of the most memorable speeches in sports history.
The 36-year-old said Monday that the epic speech wasn’t his — it’s Philadelphia’s.
“I will never forget the parade and what it meant to the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought to our community and the closure it gave so many people. The stories of the fans who had been waiting for that moment for generations. Level,” Kelce said.
“On the way, I remember meeting a woman with the ashes of a deceased relative who promised she would never leave the parade if the Eagles ever won. A speech that was written by herself and which symbolized That’s how we all lived as players, as a team and as a city. That wasn’t my speech. It was Philadelphia’s.”
“Playing is a great blessing” in Philadelphia
During his press conference, Kelce talked about everyone who helped him on his way to an NFL Hall of Fame career – from his parents to his high school band teacher to Reed and Sirianni to Stoutland.
Kelce also spoke about his relationship with his brother and what it was like to play in “the most emotional sports city in America.”
Kelsey said, “It’s just poetic that I found my career fulfilling in the City of Brotherly Love.” “I knew that relationship very well.”
Then, Kelce explained what it takes for an athlete to excel in Philadelphia.
Kelce said, “Some people struggle in this town. They can’t handle the abuse, the media or our fans.” “I consider it a huge blessing to play in America’s most passionate sports city. The sense of urgency to win in this city has driven our organization, taking chances, fixing problems and working tirelessly in an effort to win.” “
Here’s more from Kelce about playing in Philadelphia.
“Sometimes, as an athlete you hate it, especially for people new to town, but when you’ve been through it enough, you learn to appreciate it. Like the city of Philadelphia, no one owns their Doesn’t celebrate. Athletes become gods in this town, even those whose exploits date back decades. The Eagles are the No. 1 ticket in town, the most talked about guy almost every moment.
But (with so much focus), you better be prepared to overcome the difficulties that arise and face criticism. Yes, they will let you know when you are not performing well. every time. But if you show effort, aggression, desire, will to fight, they will love you too. If you love it like your brother they will love you in this city.
You will be loved by stepping up to show that you care because they care. They’ve been taking care of this team for generations in this city and they’re not going to accept excuses and bland-(expletive) bullshit about representing the name on the front of the jersey, something they’ve invested their entire lives in. If you don’t like what the fans and media are saying as a player, it’s that simple. love them. Treat them like your brothers. And go out and play with your balls. Wear your heart on your sleeve and I guarantee you’ll change those narratives.”
Tom Dougherty
