Congratulations, Jason, on one hell of a career!
Jason Kelce, who is the superstar center for the Philadelphia Eagles and the way less-annoying brother of Travis Kelce, announced to his teammates in the postgame locker room Monday night that he is retiring, according to ESPN.
The 36-year-old Kelce was clearly emotional after the Eagles were defeated, 32-9, in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which led many to speculate that he could be retiring.
A six-time All-Pro and a future Hall of Famer, Kelce has considered retirement in past recent seasons. However, he’s decided to pull the trigger this time and make it happen, according to ESPN. (RELATED: A-Town Down? Bill Belichick Officially Holds First Interview With Atlanta Falcons)
Following the game, Kelce declined to talk with the media.
“No guys, not today,” said Kelce.
Jason Kelce told his #Eagles teammates in the locker room that he is retiring per @AdamSchefter
Kelce was very emotional last night
– 13 seasons with the Eagles
– Super Bowl LII Champion 🏆
– 7x Pro Bowl
– 6x First-team All-ProJalen Hurts called #JasonKelce a “legend” pic.twitter.com/HoLYVn73qN
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 16, 2024
After being selected in the 2011 NFL Draft (sixth round), Kelce has spent all 13 seasons with the Eagles, which featured six playoff appearances, two trips to the Super Bowl and one championship ring from defeating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
There is no athlete more beloved in this city than Jason Kelce.
It’s remarkable how *cool* he made the Center position— one that’s typically a thankless job, he transformed into a role people have a whole lot of respect for now. In what other city is the Center this famous?! pic.twitter.com/VFW0i4UjZP
— Gabriella Galati (@ella_galati) January 16, 2024
In all-time NFL history, Kelce is the fifth center that has at least six All-Pro selections. The first four — Bulldog Turner, Jim Ringo, Jim Otto and Dermontti Dawson — are Pro Football Hall of Fame members.
Eagles center Jason Kelce informs teammates he is retiring. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/RnhxpfIVc9
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
An emotional Jason Kelce went over to his wife and dad last night before he walked off the field
pic.twitter.com/1ZG6arcu3O— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 16, 2024
I know I’ve talked my trash in the past (blame his brother Travis), but in all seriousness, Jason is a pretty cool dude.
Jason Kelce informed his Eagles teammates last night that he is retiring according to @AdamSchefter
You could see Jason crying as he entered the Eagles locker room and he spoke with his teammates after the bad loss in the playoffs— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 16, 2024
We’ll always remember Jason Kelce for these precious moments with his kids. ❤️ #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/mLESfSfHic
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 16, 2024
13 years of giving everything he had 💚@JasonKelce is a true warrior pic.twitter.com/OVl9SzmWmV
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 16, 2024
One of the greatest players and men our game has ever seen:
– 13 seasons with the @Eagles
– Super Bowl LII Champion
– 7x Pro Bowls
– 6x First-team All-ProCongrats on an incredible career, @JasonKelce. 👏 pic.twitter.com/4WELORWlsV
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
#Eagles C Jason Kelce retires from the NFL with one thing that will never go away: He’ll always have the greatest Super Bowl parade speech ever.
This will never get old.
pic.twitter.com/X7RtoTF6FZ https://t.co/kq0aG5S57s
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 16, 2024
Never forget when Jason Kelce drank a beer with fans pic.twitter.com/6fTKXnBi8O
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) January 16, 2024
Eagles future Hall Of Famer Jason Kelce told his teammates postgame that he is retiring, according to @AdamSchefter.
▪️ 13 seasons (all with Eagles)
▪️ 6x First-Team All-Pro
▪️ 7x Pro Bowler
▪️ Super Bowl champAll-time legend in Philadelphia forever. Thank you, Jason. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Zi5RZbrxYp
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) January 16, 2024
Congratulations, my man, on retirement — enjoy that money and that Super Bowl ring, you deserve it.