NFL Legend Jason Kelce Announces His Retirement Decision In Moving Press Conference

NFL legend Jason Kelce has announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the NFL.

Kelce, who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles after being selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft, had hinted at retirement throughout the 2023-24 season. After weeks of speculation, Kelce officially announced his retirement Monday in a tear-filled press conference.

“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 during a 45-minute speech.

“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,” he continued “I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”

Kelce, who collected a Super Bowl ring and seven Pro Bowl honors during his time with the Eagles, said it was a goal of his to play his entire career in one city. “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.”

He went on to thank all of the head coaches he played for in Philadelphia, as well as his teammates, frequently pausing as he became overcome with emotion. Kelce also congratulated his younger brother, Travis, for all the success he has had in his own career, stating that the 2022 Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs stung less due to his brother’s achievements.

Kelce also spoke about the importance of fatherhood, crediting both he and his brother’s success to his father. “I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father. A father who is present, devoted, and loving is the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society,” he said, adding that his own children have given him “more fulfillment off the field, than on.”

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Kelce’s decision was made up after the Eagles’ blowout playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He informed teammates that his decision had been made immediately after the game, Schefter reported.

“If it was his last game, he was one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said at the time. “A guy whose passion is unmatched. A guy who I saw Philly try to run him out of town. I saw a guy emerge from that and become the best center maybe that’s ever played.”

Kelce is the fifth center in NFL history with at least six All-Pro selections. The other four — Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermontti Dawson and Jim Ringo — are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ESPN noted.

He will have plenty of options post-retirement, with a move to broadcasting being a real possibility. A number of networks reportedly courted Kelce while he was in Las Vegas to cheer on his younger brother in his most recent Super Bowl victory.