Jason Kelce Announces Retirement After 13 Seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia – After 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce has officially announced his retirement. The 36-year-old veteran made the decision public on Monday at the NovaCare Sports Complex, marking the end of a career where he not only became one of the best centers in history but also a cornerstone in the Eagles’ first-ever Super Bowl win.

Kelce, a fan favorite known for his remarkable playing style, also endeared himself to Philadelphia fans and became a top-notch podcast host.

Emotionally, Kelce shared his decision at the team’s auditorium with both laughter and tears, surrounded by his family, including parents Ed and Donna, and brother Travis, who made a stylish appearance in dark sunglasses. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was also in attendance.

During his 45-minute speech revisiting his career beginnings in Ohio and his journey with the Eagles, Kelce expressed gratitude, shed some tears, and finally confirmed that he was hanging up his pads for good.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Cincinnati, Kelce quickly became a linchpin on the Eagles’ offensive line, earning the nickname ‘Iron Man‘ after overcoming a significant knee injury in the 2012 season.

One of Kelce’s most memorable moments came during the Eagles’ championship parade in 2017 when he dressed up as a mime and delivered a fiery, albeit crude, speech that rallied the crowd.

Kelce reflected on that day, stating, ‘I will never forget that parade and what it meant for the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought to our community and the peace it provided for many.’

His final NFL appearance was in the playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 15th.