Philadelphia, PA – In a tearful and emotional press conference streamed live from the NovaCare Complex, Eagles center Jason Kelce officially announced his retirement from the NFL after an illustrious 13-season career. The press conference, which lasted 45 minutes, took place on Monday, capturing the essence of Kelce’s journey from a young football enthusiast in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to becoming one of the most beloved figures in Philadelphia Eagles history.
Kelce, known for his passionate and authentic demeanor, was joined by his parents, Ed and Donna, and his brother, Travis Kelce, a star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. During the heartfelt announcement, Kelce expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, emphasizing the significance of playing his entire career in one city, a goal he had set for himself.
“I don’t know what’s next, but I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await. And I know that I carry with me the lessons from my time here, and that forever we can all share the bond of being Philadelphians,” Kelce said during the press conference.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Cincinnati, Kelce played under four different head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni. He leaves behind an impressive legacy, having been named to seven Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro honors six times, including in 2023.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Kelce in a lengthy statement, saying, “It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organization, to the City of Philadelphia, and to our fans. He gave everything he had to all of us for 13 years.”
Kelce’s impact on and off the field extended beyond his athletic achievements. He became a legendary figure in Philadelphia, adopting the city as his second home and delivering an iconic speech during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade in 2018. Reflecting on that moment, Kelce said, “I won’t forget the parade and what it meant to the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought our community and the closure it gave to so many.”
Throughout his press conference, Kelce expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in his career, from family and coaches to fans and the city itself. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in a city with passionate sports fans, describing it as a “great blessing.”
The decision to retire comes after Kelce’s 13th season, a year in which he played at an elite level, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors once again. Despite contemplating retirement in previous years, Kelce signed one-year contract renewals, maintaining his status as one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL.
The retirement announcement leaves a significant void in the Eagles’ lineup, and the team now faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for the legendary center. Kelce’s impact on the city and the Eagles organization will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, and his jersey number 62 will forever hold a special place in the history of Philadelphia sports.