Jason Kelce Announces Retirement From NFL After 13-Year Stint With Philadelphia Eagles

Rebecca Iannucci
·2 min read
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The National Football League is down to just one Kelce brother: Longtime Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL.

He shared the news in a press conference on Monday, which, as you can see from the video below, got off to (and remained) an emotional start:

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During his announcement, a tearful Kelce reminisced on his football career, a path that included high school and college play before joining the NFL. He also thanked numerous coaches, teammates and family members as he reflected on his success.

“Thirteen seasons in Philadelphia, and I look back on a career filled with ups and downs,” Kelce said, before recounting noteworthy memories from his time as a professional player. “No one celebrates their own like the city of Philadelphia. Athletes become demigods in this city, even ones whose deeds span decades before… You will be loved by going above and beyond to show that you care, because [the fans] care. They’ve been caring for generations.

“Thank you, Philadelphia, from the bottom of my heart,” he continued. “Thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday. It has truly been a privilege. You have all been so good to me and my family.”

Kelce has been with the Philadelphia Eagles since 2011, when he was selected by the team in the sixth round of that year’s NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has played in seven Pro Bowls, won one Super Bowl (in 2018, against the New England Patriots) and, in an NFL first, faced off against his own brother, Travis Kelce, in the Super Bowl when the Eagles fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023. (Jason was especially emotional as he recalled the mixture of heartbreak and pride he felt at the end of that game.)

Speculation about Jason’s retirement has swirled since 2022, but became especially persistent after the Eagles’ 2023 season ended in a stunning — and, for Jason, noticeably emotional — loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15. Jason most notably considered retirement in the 2023 documentary Kelce, now streaming on Prime Video, which chronicles Jason’s 2022 season in the league.

Elsewhere in pop culture, Jason has gained newfound attention since Travis began dating music superstar Taylor Swift, prompting massive interest in the Kelce family and the brothers’ football-centric podcast, New Heights, last year.

Watch Jason’s full retirement presser above, then drop a comment with your reactions to his announcement.

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