“I have been the underdog my entire career, and I mean this when I say it, I still wish I was” — Jason Kelce officially calls it a career
Photo via USA TODAY Sports
With rumors, discussion, and thought throughout the offseason, Jason Kelce finally made his decision on his future public Monday afternoon at the NovaCare Complex.
“So this all brings us here to today, where I announce that I am retiring,” Kelce said, through tears, nearly 40 minutes into his speech which lasted 45 minutes with constant stoppages as he was overtaken by emotion. “Where I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated.”
The Eagles drafted Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. After being a walk-on at Cincinnati, moving to center, being called too small and doubted, Kelce pushed through it all forming a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
“I’ve been asked many times why did I choose football — what drew me to the game — and I never have an answer that gets it right,” Kelce said wearing a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song… your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it. Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”
Kelce, 36, played his entire 13-year career in Philadelphia playing 193 games in the Eagles green, the second most in team history. He was awarded seven Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro six times, including his final one in 2023. He is a Super Bowl LII champion, owner of the greatest championship parade speech ever, creator of two Christmas albums, and left behind a legacy at the center position.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city,” Kelce said. “I couldn’t have dreamt a better one if I tried.”
Kelce’s parents, Ed and Donna were in attendance, along with his wife Kylie, and brother Travis Kelce.
Kelce’s arrival in Philadelphia was not significant at the time. A walk-on running back at Cincinnati who converted to guard and later center, he was undersized and overlooked by the “Dream Team” free agency signings of that season. As we know too well, that team was a nightmare. Kelce, meanwhile, won the starting center job and held that role with Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and finally Nick Sirianni.
He missed a month after sports hernia surgery in 2014 and had a rough season in 2015, raising questions about his future as an Eagle. But, when someone tells Kelce he cannot do something, he proves them wrong. He went on to set a franchise record by starting 156 consecutive regular-season games despite dealing with various injuries.
“I have been the underdog my entire career,” Kelce said. “And I mean this when I say it, I still wish I was.”
Kelce thanked numerous coaches including his high school college, professionals, and most prominently Eagles o-line coach Jeff Stoutland. He thanked his teammates and “cafeteria workers” along the way and of course his Kylie, Donna, Ed, and Travis. He also gave his band teacher a shout-out.
“We won countless Super Bowls in our minds, before even leaving the house,” Jason said, recalling his and Travis’ days playing football with Capri Suns that Donna packed for them.
Kelce has pondered retirement over the past several years, but it became apparent that things would be different this time around. After this season’s collapse, you could sense his decision with the tears rolling down his face postgame.
It was obvious then and there what the future would hold. For the first time in my life, the Eagles would be without Jason Kelce. A leader, driven, and an underdog.
Those are three words I like to use to describe myself.
Kelce is part of the reason I created Philly Sports Reports and have the drive and mentality I have to keep it going. I do not just use these phrases with my business, but in life as well.
I have been faced with many hardships and a speech made by a man dressed as a mummer six years ago has stuck with me, and has pushed me through to be the person I am today. A leader, driven, and an underdog.
Kelce is far and away my favorite athlete. His genuineness, his passion, his care, and his mentality.
He also gets Philadelphia like no athlete before. He takes the boos, the hardship, and knows what it is like in this city to succeed.
Kelce is special. Not just as a football player, but as a person.
Thank you, Jason.
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