Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce is officially retiring after 13 seasons in the NFL, all in Philly. The center was rumored to be hanging up his cleats after this season, and confirmed the news himself during a press conference on Monday.
The 2011 sixth-round draft pick embodied Philadelphia sports and became an icon and one of the most beloved athletes in the city very quickly. Last season, Kelce earned his sixth All-Pro nod, becoming the only center since the merger to earn six first-team All-Pro selections as well as Super Bowl title. Only five centers in NFL history have six All-Pro selections.
An obvious career highlight came during the 2017 season, when Kelce and the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, giving him a championship title. He would make the big game again at the end of the 2022 season, but this time would lose a close game to his brother Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 36-year-old proved he can still play in 2023, allowing one sack and 12 pressures on the season, with a pressure rate per dropback of 1.9%.
Jason, who has three young daughters, expressed in his documentary "Kelce" that his health and being there for his family were two main reasons he was contemplating retirement.
"It's getting harder and harder to play," Kelce said in the documentary. "There have been little things that are not big things yet but are going to turn into big things the longer I play."
His wife Kylie Kelce echoed his concerns: "I always tell people, no matter what happens with football, how it ends, I would like him to retire when he is still able to get down on the floor and play with our kids comfortably," she said.
Back when the doc was made, Kelce said, "Every logical thing is telling me I should stop playing football," but he gave it one more year. Given his age paired with his comments on how much he values time with his family and his health long term, it is not shocking that he has decided on retiring now.
Walking away from the game he loved so much 💚
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) March 4, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible career, @JasonKelce. pic.twitter.com/9HONbnT2SG
Kelce will go down as one of the best to ever play his position and many players reacted to his retirement by predicting a gold jacket. Here are some of the best reactions to Kelce's retirement:
The Eagles thanked Jason for everything he's done for the team and the city.
To the GOAT. Thank you, thank you, thank you. pic.twitter.com/N4TMP2LbHH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
The greatest to ever do it 🐐
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible NFL career, Jason Kelce. pic.twitter.com/HNRn5etpna
Jason embraces his family who were present for the announcement.
.@JasonKelce hugs his family after a moving retirement press conference. pic.twitter.com/o6kg5jRUHU
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2024
Travis was emotional while listening to his big brother's speech.
Travis supporting his big brother ❤️@tkelce @JasonKelce
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2024
(via @EliotShorrParks)pic.twitter.com/1ElVqUICCh
Darius Slay congratulates Jason on an "amazing career."
Congrats to my guy @JasonKelce amazing career!!! #EaglesGoat https://t.co/Iy3f5WmzHV
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend!
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
Lane Johnson had a message for his longtime teammate, along with photos of them playing together.
The road goes on forever & the party never ends. @JasonKelce pic.twitter.com/4d7ZLZE8Ng
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) March 5, 2024
Brian Dawkins called Jason one of the best to ever do it.
Congratulations bro!! One of the best to ever do it! With loads of leadership, athleticism & a unique style, all of your own!! 👊🏾😎 #TheyDontLikeUsAndWeDontCare#Legendary https://t.co/0CxIa8Ynce
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) March 4, 2024
Zach Ertz posted said without No. 62, he would not be the same player.
I honestly don’t think you understand the impact you had on your teammates for the past 13 years.
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) March 4, 2024
I wouldn’t be the player I am without you and we would not have had the success without you; and that’s not even talking about your on-field talent.
Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/bSCldHeDxY
Eagles staff reacts.
The scene in the #Eagles’ cafeteria during Jason Kelce’s speech. Quiet the whole time, I’m told, except for the sound of people crying. pic.twitter.com/ZlA5NlhOGP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 4, 2024
Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie pens a long letter to Jason, discussing the passion and intensity he brought to the field and everything he contributed to the city off the field.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
JJ Watt congratulates Jason on "one hell of a career."
Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2024
Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce
A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you.
🙏🏼
Julian Edelman responds to Kelce's speech, saying, "This is what it's all about man."
This is what it’s all about man. Gave everything to the game. Time for the next chapter… congrats @JasonKelce https://t.co/yWxYksGsE2
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 4, 2024
Offensive line coordinator Jeff Stoutland says some of his fondest coaching moments have included Jason.
Jason,
— Jeff Stoutland (@CoachStoutland) March 4, 2024
Some of my fondest coaching moments have been by your side these past 11 seasons. I’m so proud of the player you’ve worked to become and legacy you’ve built. I will miss having you by my side. It’s been my honor & I congratulate you on an incredible career.
Stout out pic.twitter.com/l5fYsHCjPw
The New Heights podcast he has with his brother Travis reposted the tweet from 2011 when Jason was drafted, spelling error and all, to show how far he has come.
We've come a long way https://t.co/U7Qqunpaqe
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 4, 2024
The Eagles Autism Foundation thanked him for supporting the autism community.
Thank you for your dedication to the Eagles Autism Foundation and unwavering support of our autism community, @JasonKelce 💚
— Eagles Autism Foundation (@eaglesautism) March 4, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible NFL career, Jason! pic.twitter.com/wBd1joiZQe
Eagles fans gathered outside the building and celebrated his retirement in pure Kelce style.
Well.. now fans need to figure out what to do with a full keg of Miller Lite. @JasonKelce seemed a little too emotional to stop…@6abc pic.twitter.com/eEZSt4xkGC
— John Paul (@JPaulOnAir) March 4, 2024
The love for Jason reaches far beyond the football world.
Cheers to one heck of a career. 💚
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 4, 2024
Thank you for everything you've done for Philly, @JasonKelce. Best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/1hRhefvz1d
congratulations on a legendary career @JasonKelce! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZ4abQP9KD
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 4, 2024
A Philly and @NFL legend forever.
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 4, 2024
Enjoy your retirement, @JasonKelce!#DOOP | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Fa6XMV6g8m
A true Philadelphian.
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 4, 2024
Congrats on your retirement and a Hall of Fame career, @JasonKelce! pic.twitter.com/mfH7nslirA
Russell Wilson posted, "Congrats on an unbelievable HOF Career."
Congrats on an unbelievable HOF Career @JasonKelce! https://t.co/ZwIfbertHA
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
RGIII notes that Jason's love for the game is clear.
One thing is clear from this press conference. Jason Kelce LOVES football and we were blessed to watch him play it. pic.twitter.com/wd72igdkhf
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 4, 2024
Even former Super Bowl opponents chimed in.
You never played for us, but you're still family. The game is going to miss you @JasonKelce ❤️
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 5, 2024
Congratulations on a legendary career! pic.twitter.com/xqfnLc96iI