UPDATE: After 13 seasons, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
“I've been asked many times why I chose football — what drew me to the game — and I never have an answer that gets it right.” Kelce said during a media conference in Philadelphia on Monday afternoon. “The best way to explain it is what draws you to your favorite song…your favorite book. It's what makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it.”
Although his potential retirement was hinted at in the Eagles' Wild Card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 25, Kelce remained tight-lipped about the decision until it was made official on Monday.
He also went to X to confirm that he had made a final decision on the status of his career.
No Keg video this year, I have made a decision and will address it in a press conference this afternoon.
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) March 4, 2024
During his time in the NFL, Kelce won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles, was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times and was named to the All-Pro first team six times. The center played his entire career with the Eagles, something he takes great pride in.
“It's always been my goal to play my entire career in one city,” Kelce said. “I couldn't dream of a better one if I tried.”
The original story from January 18 is below.
It could be the end of an era for Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who reportedly announced his retirement to his teammates following the Birds' disappointing NFL playoff exit Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kelce, who hasn't publicly confirmed his retirement, has spent his entire 13-year NFL career in Philly — and he's still warming the hearts of the people in the city who love him the most.
On Wednesday, Kelce drove to his local McDonald's in Broomall, Pennsylvania and ordered a sausage, egg and cheese and paid a visit to an employee, Danielle Bonham.
Bonham, a massive Kelce fan, has served the NFL player his breakfast order and taken selfies with him on numerous occasions during his visits.
During Wednesday's visit, Kelce surprised Bonham by signing a Kelly Green Eagles jersey and gave it to her while paying for his order.
“I'm forever grateful and very lucky to have crossed paths with him as many times as I did, and I wish him nothing but the best,” Bonham told local media. FOX 29.
Kelce's fans and residents of his now-hometown of Havertown, Pennsylvania, were charmed by his act of kindness amid the sadness following rumors that he was leaving the league.
“This is why I love him,” one person wrote on Instagram. “He's just so humble it's hard not to like him.”
“Just when we thought we were done crying,” said another.
That same day, Kelce appeared on his “New Heights” podcast with his brother and fellow NFL star Travis Kelce to clarify that he had yet to make any public announcements or decisions regarding the future of his career. his in the NFL.
“I didn't let it be known what I was doing on purpose, despite, apparently, what has come out in the media,” Kelce said. “I just don't think you're in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. I just don't. There's too much emotion right now to fully understand that decision.”
Kelce added that when he does make an announcement or decision, he plans to do so “in a way that is final and respects a lot of individuals who have meant a lot to me and led to the career that I've had.”
The Philadelphia Eagles finished the season with an 11-6 record.