Eagles Star Center Jason Kelce Announces Retirement
There was not a dry eye in the house down in Philadelphia as Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement from playing in National Football League after 11 seasons.
The future Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, and podcast host gave a teary-eyed speech in which he reflected on 11-years as a professional athlete.
Unlike many players, Kelce spent his entire career with one team, the Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in two Super Bowls — winning one, Super Bowl 52 back in 2018 against New England. The other, he lost last season against his brother Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up,” Kelce said.
The reactions from fans, teams, players and coaches around the NFL was all the same: thank you!
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, Kelce became one of the best centers in the NFL, elected to seven pro bowls, and a six-time All Pro First Team.
Off the field, Kelce is a father of three and husband. He is also co-host of one of the most popular sports podcasts in the country: New Heights, with his brother Travis. The two are known for hilarious banter about their NFL experiences, which hit a new level the past year when both men faced off in the Big Game in February of 2023, and later on when Travis started dating pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Kelce admitted he’s not sure what’s next, but if his podcast is any indication, it would not surprise for Jason to have a lengthy and successful broadcast career in the near future.
5 NFL Teams That Will Look Very Different in 2024
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are headed for a major makeover, especially when it comes to their defense. They’ve brought on Mike Macdonald, who is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Seattle’s defense is going to improve greatly with him in charge, and they could look like a different team.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
4. Los Angeles Chargers
It’s happening. Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL. Why? He’s very motivated to get a Super Bowl. He’s fresh off a national championship win with the Wolverines, to boot. He also has a great quarterback in Justin Herbert. Other than Herbert, though, expect some big changes here.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
3. Carolina Panthers
For the Carolina Panthers, there’s really nowhere to go but up. Now, the team has a new head coach (again) in Dave Canales. He’s a great fit for them, but he has a lot of work to do. Expect major changes. He bring experience from his time with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders let go of their coach, Josh McDaniels, before the season was even finished, because yes, things were that bad. Antonio Pierce was a bit of a hero and helped Las Vegas come back at the end of last season. He’s now their new head coach, and he’ll have to make a lot of changes to get this team to where they need to be.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
1. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have been hurting lately, so Dan Quinn to the rescue. He helped take the Falcons to Super Bowl 51, so he has experience. He’s also working to make some big changes going into the next season, and yes, they will need them if they want to be competitive.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Bonus
So, what teams will not look any different in 2024? It’s a safe bet that the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will try to stay with what’s been working for them. The Ravens will look different, with a new defensive coordinator. Also, the Eagles will look different this year, although they’re keeping the core of their team, being their head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
