An emotional Jason Kelce was surrounded by loved ones on Monday as he announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.
The longtime Eagles center, who spent his entire NFL career in Philadelphia, was honored by his brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, his parents Ed Kelce and Donna Kelce, and his heartfelt retirement speech. His wife, Kylie, also attended.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’ve had the best years of my career with Kylie by my side,” Jason, 36, said with tears in his eyes.
Kelsey hugged her family as she exited the stage, then kissed Kylie. Kylie has been married since 2018 and she has three daughters, Wyatt, 4, Elliott, 2, and Bennett, 1.
A sixth-round pick by Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce earned seven Pro Bowl wins and six All-Pro first-team selections during his time with the Eagles, earning the team’s first and only Super Bowl selection in February 2018. won the bowl.
Jason made his last Super Bowl appearance in February 2023, when the Eagles lost 38-35 to the Travis-led Chiefs.
The Eagles made the playoffs again this season, but the team fell apart late, losing six of their final seven games, including a heartbreaking 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers in the Wild Card.
Rumors began to circulate that Jason would retire after the match, but the father-of-three admitted shortly afterwards on his New Heights podcast that he would take time to consider his decision.
“When I officially announce what’s next, it will be in a definitive way that honors the many people and individuals who have meant so much to me and shaped my career.” I don’t think it’s respectful or accurate to do that right after a game like that,” Kelce said in January.
Travis told Kelsey at the time. “We’ll all be waiting in suspense to see what your final decision is, boss, I promise.”
Before announcing his retirement, Kelce cheered for Travis and the Chiefs to reach the Super Bowl in 2024, and cheered on Kansas City during the playoffs with his wife, Kylie, and Travis’ girlfriend, Taylor Swift.
