Jason Kelce has officially announced his decision regarding his pro football career. Following speculation of his retirement after the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff loss, the 36-year-old future Hall of Fame center confirmed his departure in a press conference.
Jason Kelce conveyed his decision in a heartfelt, emotional, and tear-filled 40-minute press conference, which also doubled as a tribute to the game of football.
“Let’s see how long this lasts,” Kelce said as he sat down and burst into tears in the media room packed with reporters, Eagles head coach Nick Sirrianni, and his family.
Monday morning, Kelce took to Twitter, announcing that he would reveal his decision regarding playing football again this fall at noon.
No Keg videos this year, I have come to a decision and will address it at a press conference this afternoon.
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) March 4, 2024
“No Keg videos this year, I have come to a decision and will address it at a press conference this afternoon,” Kelce’s post reads.
In his tweet, Kelce alluded to a prank by the Eagles from last year, where he humorously announced retirement from hosting a local radio show while drinking a beer.
At the press conference, he appeared in a tank top and shared a heartfelt statement about retiring from football, reminiscing about significant moments from his illustrious career.
Kelce expressed gratitude to head coach Andy Reid for drafting him in the sixth round and thanked his brother Travis, who attended the conference and was visibly emotional.
Kelce openly discussed difficult moments of his career, such as the passing of Andy Reid’s son Garrett Reid during Eagles’ training camp. Alongside other poignant anecdotes from his NFL journey, the six-time AP All-Pro reflected on the mix of emotions he experienced after losing the Super Bowl to the Chiefs.
Kelce bravely confronted the challenges of his career, acknowledging the pain of Andy Reid’s son Garrett Reid’s passing during Eagles’ training camp.
Amidst recounting various poignant NFL memories, the six-time AP All-Pro reflected on the whirlwind of emotions he experienced after the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.
“I won’t forget falling short to the Chiefs and the conflicted feeling of immense heartbreak I had selfishly for myself and my teammates,” Kelce said.
“And, at the same time, the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountaintop once again.”
Despite being visibly emotional throughout the press conference, Kelce managed to sneak in a Taylor Swift reference while talking about Philadelphia.
“I found my career being fulfilled in the city of brotherly love — I knew that relationship All Too Well,” Kelce said.
During the extensive recounting of his career, Kelce expressed gratitude to his long-time offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland, crediting him with salvaging his NFL career in 2016 and shaping him into the presumptive first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee he has become. He concluded the press conference by extending heartfelt appreciation to his parents, children, and wife Kylie Kelce.
“I think it’s no coincidence I have enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side,” he said.
With a simple “that’s all I got,” Kelce concluded his speech, wiping his face before embracing his family and symbolically ending his tenure as an NFL player. Despite the premature playoff departure, Kelce garnered attention during the postseason, particularly for his presence and viral moments at Kansas City Chiefs playoff games.
