HomeDa Birds NewsSources: Eagles center Jason Kelce plans to retire, according to AP

Sources: Eagles center Jason Kelce plans to retire, according to AP

Published on

spot_img

Sources: Eagles center Jason Kelce plans to retire, according to AP

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has told teammates he intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons, three people informed of the decision told The Associated Press.

Jason Kelce Retires
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) stands on the sideline during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 32-9. . PHOTO: PERRY KNOTTS VIA AP

They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday out of respect for Kelce’s decision, which has not yet been made public. Throughout last season it has been asked when will Jason Kelce retire. Now we know.

Jason Kelce Retiring from NFL After 13 Seasons with Philadelphia Eagles: Reports (people.com)

The Jason Kelce retirement was met with tears throughout the end of Philadelphia’s 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC wild-card game on Monday night. The respected team leader declined to talk to the media about his plans after the game. He has wavered in the past about retirement in recent seasons before ultimately deciding to return for one more run at the Super Bowl.

After the 2023 finish, there are 8 burning questions about the Eagles that need answers.

“I love him. Yeah, obviously we’re not there at that position yet, ready to talk about that, but he’s special and I love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after the game. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here and always want him to play.”

The 36-year-old Kelce was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft.

Kelce is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The brothers played each other last season in the Super Bowl — won by the Chiefs — and co-host a podcast. Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce both have super bowl rings to bear.

The burly, bushy-haired and bearded Jason Kelce has been a stalwart of the offensive line since he was drafted and as an Iron Man after he missed most of the 2012 season with a partially torn MCL and torn ACL.

Jalen Hurts refuses to speak in favor of Nick Sirianni in Eagles news

He’s a beloved Philly personality and has done it all off the football field, too, such as singing the national anthem at a 76ers game, partying with the Phanatic and pounding a beer to a roaring ovation at a Phillies postseason game.

But the moment that endeared him for life to the Philly faithful came at the Super Bowl parade in 2018 when he dressed as one of Philadelphia’s famed Mummers, and the ultimate underdog delivered a fiery, profane speech that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

Is Philadelphia giving up? Aikman criticizes Eagles’ effort

“No one likes us! No one likes us! No one likes us! We don’t care,” Kelce exclaimed. “We’re from Philly! (Expletive) Philly. No one likes us! We don’t care!”

“He’s a legend in the city. Really in the league,” Eagles QB Jalen Hurts said. “I don’t want to do a disservice to him and the things he’s been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn’t come easy. It’s been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I’ve been here it’s been, are you going to come back? But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I’ve learned from him. He’ll forever have a special place in my heart.”

Over the course of Jason Kelce’s impressive 13 years in the league — which began with a sixth round pick by Andy Reid in 2013 — he’s suffered several serious injuries, too. In 2012, he tore his MCL and suffered a partial tear to his ACL. In 2018, he played through the season with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and injuries to his foot, elbow and shoulder, according to Crossing Broad’s report at the time.

In his Amazon Prime documentary, Kelce, filmed during the 2022 season, he admitted, “Every logical thing is telling me I should stop playing football. I’ve got to tear my body apart.”

Eagles Buzz is your top source for all Philadelphia Eagles News.

Latest articles

AFC Update: Brian Callahan, Devin White in Spotlight; Jaguars, Texans, Titans News

Jaguars Jaguars HC Doug Pederson could see a scenario where they use LBs Foyesade Oluokun...

Test your luck with Bleeding Green Nation – Fumble Edition

The Eagles defense has been impressive, not allowing a touchdown in two...

AFC Updates: Kyle Hamilton, Deshaun Watson, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline has talked to sources around the league who expect the Browns...

Top 10 Football Movies Ever Made

When it comes to ranking movies about football, it can be a challenging task,...

More like this

Test your luck with Bleeding Green Nation – Fumble Edition

The Eagles defense has been impressive, not allowing a touchdown in two...

Top 10 Football Movies Ever Made

When it comes to ranking movies about football, it can be a challenging task,...

UPDATE: Tee Higgins listed as questionable for Eagles-Bengals game on final injury report

The Philadelphia Eagles issued their third and final official injury report on...