Jason Kelce was visibly emotional after the Philadelphia Eagles’ Wild Card Round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After all, he has contemplated retirement over the last few seasons. This time, one of the game’s greatest centers will officially retire after 13 NFL seasons.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted that, according to sources, Kelce informed his teammates about his retirement in their locker room postgame. If this is the end, his absence will be a massive blow for the Eagles, especially when they execute short-yardage sneaks like the “Brotherly Shove,” also known as the “Tush Push.”
Six-time All-Pro and future Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce told his Eagles’ teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2024
The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers. He… pic.twitter.com/GofAAlFtUd
The Eagles were the only NFL team Jason Kelce played for. They selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he became one of the premiere offensive linemen in the league.
Throughout his career, Kelce is a six-time First Team All-Pro member and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He was also a primary contributor to the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots.
The Eagles’ offensive line anchor started 205 games for the Eagles (playoffs included). He is also a model of durability after playing in every regular season game since 2015.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s 32-9 loss to Tampa Bay ended a disappointing season. After starting the season 10-1, they lost six of their last seven games, leading to an early playoff exit.
The Eagles front office must address the massive void Kelce will leave after hanging his cleats for good. As for Kelce, the New Heights Podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce, will keep him busy. A job at the broadcasting booth is also possible.
-Lance Fernandez