The Eagles are back in Philly, and while we have yet to hear from the man himself, reports early on Tuesday morning suggest that Jason Kelce told teammates on Monday night he plans to retire. It didn’t take long for current and former teammates, media members, and fans to start celebrating the incredible career of one of the best players to ever suit up for the Eagles franchise.
He’s someone who has meant so much to so many. Kelce’s fierce spirit was lauded on the field by people he played with and from guys around the league, and his kindness off the field was appreciated far and wide.
Sources: Eagles center Jason Kelce plans to retire, according to AP
Kelce deserves every single celebration and tribute that will come his way — and a statue of him in the Mummer suit should absolutely be erected next to Nick Foles and Doug Pederson calling for “Philly Philly”. Kelce is an icon and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he’s also just an awesome guy who cares about everyone he meets.
“I love him. He’s one of the best to ever play the game,” Lane Johnson said of Jason Kelce. “The things he can do on the football field athletically — I don’t think we’ll see another one like him for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/1XWriwuvPa
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) January 16, 2024
Congrats on retirement! @JasonKelce
One of the best men I’ve ever been around! You are going to crush this next phase of life!
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 16, 2024
I once asked the Eagles PR if I could talk to Jason for 10 mins about Howie Roseman. They said sure, during our open locker room period. We’ll let him know you’re waiting. Jason got done with meetings with about two mins remaining in the media availability & waved me over.… https://t.co/COMzzioEFv
— Kevin Van Valkenburg (@KVanValkenburg) January 16, 2024
There is no athlete more beloved in this city than Jason Kelce.
It’s remarkable how *cool* he made the Center position— one that’s typically a thankless job, he transformed into a role people have a whole lot of respect for now. In what other city is the Center this famous?! pic.twitter.com/VFW0i4UjZP
— Gabriella Galati (@ella_galati) January 16, 2024
I don’t even know how to begin talking about Jason Kelce’s retirement. He is a legend. He is an icon. He is the face of the Eagles franchise and undoubtably on the Eagles Mt. Rushmore. He is the best center that has ever played the game.
He was a 6-time 1st team All-Pro… pic.twitter.com/iV7INal6QJ
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) January 16, 2024
Jason Kelce may be the most athletically-gifted athlete the city has ever seen, when you consider his size, his speed and mobility and continued excellence year-in, year-out.
— John Stolnis (@JohnStolnis) January 16, 2024
Jason Kelce is one of the small group of players who left while still one of the very best in the sport. I still think a lot about @MitchSchwartz71‘s breakdown of how good he is from October, especially in short yardage. https://t.co/gssjfkovGS
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) January 16, 2024
My favorite quote of the season was one I couldn’t say on TV. Explaining the toll the tush push takes on you, @JasonKelce told me upon push, he yells, “FU@K MY LIFE!” (Jalen Hurts confirmed) Here’s to a man who also screams – and lives –
“I LOVE my life” just as passionately. pic.twitter.com/yd0g2az9bB— Laura Okmin (@LauraOkmin) January 16, 2024
