With a trademark beard streaked with white on the cheeks and sporting a cutoff shirt, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce found himself choked with emotion, needing to compose himself as he prepared to deliver the final speech of his NFL career, officially announcing his retirement on Monday.
In a poignant address lasting about 45 minutes, Kelce expressed gratitude to all who influenced his football journey, from childhood coaches to mentors at Cincinnati, and from Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman to his teammates and coaches throughout his professional tenure.
“This brings us to today, where I announce my retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles,” Kelce stated, wiping tears from his eyes. “And frankly, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated. But damn, it took a lot of sweat and grit to get here.
“I’ve been the underdog my entire career, and I relished every moment of proving doubters wrong. If you told me I couldn’t do something, that was my fuel. My mother used to say, ‘If you want Jason to do something, just tell him he can’t.’ And that drove me. I thrive on doubters; they fueled my fire. That’s just the way I am. So when faced with skepticism throughout my career, whether from fans, coaches, or even teammates, the American dream burned deep inside me, which brings me to my final Jeff Stoutland quote: ‘Hungry dogs run fast.'”
Selected in the sixth round of the 2011 draft out of Cincinnati, Kelce spent his entire NFL career with the Eagles, garnering seven Pro Bowl selections, six first-team All-Pro honors, executing numerous pivotal blocks, and clinching a Super Bowl ring.
“Thank you, Philadelphia. From the depths of my heart, thank you for allowing me to represent this city and for welcoming me into your homes every Sunday,” he expressed. “It has been an honor beyond measure. You’ve been incredibly supportive of me and my family. Growing up in Cleveland, I watched my favorite athletes leave the city. Even a whole team departed. It was always my dream to play my entire career in one city. And I couldn’t have imagined a better city and team fit if I tried. I’m uncertain about what the future holds, but I eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities ahead. I carry the lessons learned here, and forever, we will share the bond of being Philadelphians. That’s all I have to say.”
In a statement, Lurie lauded Kelce as the epitome of an Eagle and a representative of Philadelphia.
“It’s difficult to articulate Jason Kelce’s impact on our organization, the city of Philadelphia, and our fans,” Lurie remarked. “He gave his all to us for 13 years. And he did it with genuine authenticity. Jason was an exceptional football player: a future Hall of Famer destined for success anywhere. But has there ever been a more perfect union between a player, a city, and a team?
“His perseverance and resilience, from his days as a walk-on linebacker at Cincinnati to a diminutive sixth-round pick in 2011, are unmatched. His intellect and adaptability, from starting as a rookie center during a lockout season to excelling under various coaches and offensive schemes, set him apart at his position. The sincere affection and care he showed towards his coaches, teammates, and staff endeared him to all who worked alongside him. The fervor and intensity he poured into everything, on and off the field, endeared him to the city.”
At 36, Kelce remained one of the premier blockers, particularly in open space, with a knack for reaching the second level, maneuvering around corners, and maintaining balance while neutralizing oncoming defenders. His unique ability to get low against opponents was integral to the “Brotherly Shove” sneak play and posed a daunting challenge to opposing defenses.
Kelce acknowledged uncertainty about his future endeavors. Whether it involves television or another avenue, his journey will inevitably lead to Canton, Ohio, where he will don the revered gold jacket.
