Jason Kelce, the beloved Philadelphia Eagles center, announced his retirement from the NFL after an illustrious 13-year career. The emotional retirement speech left not only fans but also his wife, Kylie Kelce, in tears. As Jason reflected on his career and expressed gratitude towards those who meant the most to him, Kylie couldn’t help but be moved by his heartfelt words.
Kylie was present at her husband’s retirement news conference, where he bid farewell to the sport that had been such a significant part of his life. She described Jason’s speech as a “perfect summary” of his 13-year journey in the NFL. “I think it was just a perfect summary of 13 years. I always say, he’s not from here but he gets it. It was an incredible run he had as a player in the NFL,” she shared with NBC Philadelphia.
Jason Kelce’s retirement marked the end of a remarkable career that included a Super Bowl championship, seven Pro Bowl selections, and six All-Pro nods. However, what made his retirement speech truly special was his acknowledgment of the impact Kylie had on his life. He revealed that the best parts of his career coincided with meeting his wife around ten years ago.
Recalling the moment he first laid eyes on Kylie, Jason painted a vivid picture of love at first sight. “I still remember the moment she walked through the door… It was like she glided through the opening, an aura around her, and then she started talking, and I thought, man, ‘Is this what love feels like?’ She was beautiful and smart and serious and yet playful,” he reminisced.
Kylie and Jason Kelce have been married for five years and share three daughters together. The bond between them is evident as Kylie affectionately described their relationship. She admitted that Jason’s heartfelt words during his retirement speech brought tears to her eyes. “It, of course, made me emotional. It cracks me up that he tries to talk about what he remembers from that night because, as I’ve said before … intoxicated,” she playfully shared. “It was very, very sweet. Very kind. It was far too much credit.”
While Kylie had heard “multiple versions” of Jason’s retirement speech over the last four years, she emphasized that his contemplation of retirement was genuine. She acknowledged the outpouring of love and support they received from fans and the football community, which she found both overwhelming and expected. “It’s still shocking, but I expected it because I know the kind of person my husband is,” she said.
As Jason Kelce bids farewell to his football career, his emotional retirement speech serves as a testament to the impact he made on and off the field. His love for the game and the love he shares with his wife, Kylie, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and supporters alike. While the NFL will miss his presence, Jason’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.