Waterworks were pouring out of eyes in Philadelphia on Monday as Eagles veteran center Jason Kelce officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. The emotional moment was shared not only by Jason but also by his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who couldn’t hold back his tears. The press conference was a bittersweet moment for the Kelce family, with their mother, Donna, also seen wiping her eyes.
During his speech, Jason mentioned the moment he heard that Travis had been drafted by the Chiefs, which brought tears to both their father’s and his own eyes. The bond between the two brothers has always been strong, even when they were on different teams. This was evident during Super Bowl LVII when the Eagles and Chiefs faced off against each other.
After delivering his heartfelt speech, Jason walked off the stage and immediately embraced Travis, followed by each member of his family. The love and support between the Kelce brothers were evident throughout the press conference.
Jason’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL. His impact on the Philadelphia community, both on and off the field, cannot be overstated. With seven Pro Bowl selections, six All-Pro nods, and a Super Bowl title in 2017, Jason is widely regarded as a future Hall of Famer. He has also been actively involved in charitable work, supporting causes such as the Eagles Autism Foundation and his own (Be)Philly Foundation.
Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie expressed his gratitude for Jason’s contributions to the organization and the city of Philadelphia. Lurie praised Jason’s authenticity, calling him an incredible football player who had a perfect marriage with the team and the city. From his humble beginnings as a walk-on linebacker at Cincinnati to becoming a sixth-round pick in 2011, Jason’s grit, determination, intelligence, and versatility set him apart from others in his position. His love and care for his coaches, teammates, and staff endeared him to everyone he worked alongside. The passion and intensity he brought to everything he did made the city fall in love with him.
While Jason’s retirement marks the end of his NFL career, there is no indication that Travis is considering retirement anytime soon. After winning back-to-back Super Bowls with the Chiefs, Travis has shown no signs of slowing down. Although retirement has crossed his mind in the past, he is focused on the present and continuing to excel on the field.
Jason Kelce’s contributions to the Eagles and the game of football will be remembered for years to come. His retirement leaves a void in the Eagles’ lineup, but his legacy as a dedicated player and a pillar of the Philadelphia community will endure. As fans bid farewell to Jason, they can take solace in knowing that his impact will be felt long after his retirement.