Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, announced his retirement from the NFL during an emotional press conference on Monday. The 13-year veteran couldn’t hold back his tears as he thanked his family and team for their support throughout his career.
Kelce began his speech by expressing gratitude to everyone in attendance, saying, “Thanks for coming, guys. We’ll see how long this lasts.” However, just five seconds into his announcement, he was overcome with emotion. After taking a moment to compose himself, he admitted, “Not a good start, there we go.”
During the 40-minute speech, Kelce reflected on his journey and the people who played a significant role in his success. His wife, Kylie, was one of the key figures he thanked, acknowledging that every accolade he has received came with her by his side. He praised her for bringing out the best in him through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and the occasional “swift kick in the ass.”
Kelce also paid tribute to his younger brother, Travis Kelce, who plays as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite wearing shades, Travis couldn’t hide his emotions during Jason’s speech. The bond between the two brothers has been instrumental in their lives, with Jason stating that they did almost everything together and learned from each other. He credited their relationship for making him stronger, tougher, and smarter.
“We have a small family, no cousins, one aunt, one uncle. It was really my brother and I our whole lives,” Kelce said. “We invented games, imagined ourselves as star players of that time.” He added that there was “no chance” he would be where he is today without the bond he shared with Travis.
Kelce’s retirement announcement comes after rumors began swirling in January following the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. League sources revealed that Kelce had informed his teammates in the postgame locker room about his plans to retire.
As Jason Kelce bids farewell to his NFL career, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for the support he received from his family and team. His emotional retirement announcement serves as a reminder of the profound impact that relationships and shared experiences can have on an individual’s journey to success.