Jason Kelce Reportedly to Retire (UPDATED)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 26: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after the game against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Update 1/17: Jason Kelce went on the New Heights Podcast with his brother Travis and indicated that he did not actually make a decision yet, and also indicated such to reporters on locker room clean out day. It is unclear which sources Garafolo and Schefter used. Formal retractions have not been issued by either, so this story remains up with this update.
Eagles Center Jason Kelce told teammates he would retire, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Kelce, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2011, played all 13 seasons with the Eagles. He holds the record for most consecutive starts by any Eagles player, a record previously held by Jon Runyan, and played 11,781 snaps with the team.
It is rare for a center to be so well known as to be a household name, especially when it’s not just limited to die-hards. However, Kelce is widely considered by Philadelphia fans to embody the persona of the city; Kelce’s career was characterized by grit, by determination, and by passion for the sport and the city.
Kelce achieved local legend status when the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII. During the parade, Kelce donned an outfit from one of the Philadelphia String Bands that perform in the annual Mummers parade. On the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, Kelce, in an expletive-laden speech, spoke to the passion of Eagles fans.
“You know who the biggest underdog is? It’s y’all, Philadelphia,” Kelce exclaimed. “For 52 years, y’all have been waiting for this. You want to talk about an underdog? You want to talk about a hungry dog? For 52 years, you’ve been starved of this championship.”
“Everybody wonders why we’re so mean. Everybody wonders why the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t the nicest fans. If I don’t eat breakfast, I’m [expletive] pissed off!”
Kelce, the subject of the eponymous documentary released earlier this season, was contemplating retirement for the last few seasons. He opted to come back on one-year deals, including through the end of the 2023 season.
Kelce has taken his passion for the city beyond football. He, along with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, helped push out two Christmas albums that raised funds for local charities. He also does the New Heights podcast with his brother Travis, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kelce lives with his wife Kylie and his three daughters.
