Jason Kelce Officially Announces Retirement From the NFL
You knew it was coming. You saw him hugging Jeff Stoutland on the sideline as the final minute ticked away for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It wasn’t official, however. Jason Kelce has finally annoounced his retirement from the NFL. He made the decision public in a long, emotional press conference on Monday at the NovaCare Complex.
Jason Kelce
The Eagles selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly exceeded all expectations and ultimately grew into one of the most beloved athletes in Philadelphia sports history.
Kelce earned six first-team All-Pro honors, remarkably all after he reached the age of 30. He established a reputation as the NFL’s best center over an illustrious career that also included seven Pro Bowl selections.
His athletic style set him apart from the average offensive lineman. Kelce could pull quickly as a lead blocker and excel to the next level to block linebackers and defensive backs who rarely see a center move more than a few yards off the line of scrimmage.
Fans will never forget the fiery speech from the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on February 8, 2018 after the Eagles won Super Bowl LII.
Casual observers might know Jason Kelce from a documentary or a podcast. Philadelphia knows him well beyond any Travis Kelce or Taylor Swift tabloids. He embraced the most passionate fan base in professional sports and became part of the identity of Philadelphia. Catch him for a cold beer in Sea Isle this summer and for years to come.
“You’re gonna fit in great in Philadelphia. This is your kind of town.” — what Jason Kelce says his agent Jason Bernstein said when Kelce got drafted by the Eagles
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) March 4, 2024
Eagles Offseason
Cam Jurgens will likely slide from right guard to center to take Kelce’s place. The Eagles drafted Jurgens in 2022 partly because of the recommendation of their All-Pro center and similarities in his playing style.
Howie Roseman will now look for an offensive guard to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Jason Kelce. Tyler Steen is the likeliest in-house candidate to take over, but they will likely look for an upgrade. The Eagles can add it to their long list of needs to adress in NFL free agency on March 13 and the NFL Draft from April 25-27.
“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I’ve ever felt..I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic, and then get told good job. I loved football.” -Jason Kelce
Watch The John Kincade Show on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
