Emotional Jason Kelce Says Goodbye to Philadelphia Fans, Retires

Eagles Center Jason Kelce announced that he has retired from football.

Kelce, who spent his entire 13 season career with the Philadelphia Eagles, held an emotional press conference at the NovaCare Complext to announce the decision. Kelce was joined in the audience by his family and Eagles staff, and as he sat down to start his statement, he immediately broke into sobs.

“This is going to be long,” he said.

Kelce gave a review of his entire career, starting with middle school football all the way to the NFL. Throughout all of it, Kelce knew he wanted to play football.

“Stepping on the field is as alive and free as I’ve ever felt,” Kelce said.

Kelce made it a point to note that he didn’t start at offensive line, but moved there at the behest of one of his coaches at Cincinnati, where he walked onto the team. He called it the single greatest move he could’ve made in his career.

Kelce was drafted by the Eagles in 2011, and since his drafting, he was a six time first team all pro, he made seven Pro Bowls, and he’s had 193 consecutive starts, a team record. He has had a hall of fame caliber career and some are already speculating that his jersey number, 62, will become the tenth retired number of the team.

Kelce was joined by his mom Donna, his brother Travis, and his wife Kylie, among others, and Kelce made sure to acknowledge each of his family that was present. When he officially announced his decision, he called himself “vastly overrated.”

“It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here,” Kelce said. “I have been the underdog my entire career and I mean this when I say it: I wish I still was.”

Kelce was nothing but grateful for the city of Philadelphia.

“Yes, they will let you know when you’re not performing well. Every time,” Kelce remarked. “But they will also love you if you show effort, aggression, desire, the will to fight. They will love you in this city if you love it, the way you love your brother.”

“Thank you, Philadelphia, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for letting me represent this city.”