In an emotional announcement on Monday, Jason Kelce, the longtime Philadelphia Eagles center, confirmed his retirement from the NFL after a remarkable 13-year career. Surrounded by his loved ones, including his younger brother Travis Kelce, who plays as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jason expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

During his heartfelt retirement speech, the 36-year-old Kelce couldn't hold back tears as he praised his wife, Kylie, whom he credited for being a constant source of strength and inspiration. He expressed that it was no coincidence that the best years of his career aligned with Kylie's presence by his side.

Accompanied by his family, Kelce embraced them tightly before sharing a tender kiss with his wife, whom he married in 2018. The couple has three beautiful daughters together – Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett, aged 4, 3, and 1 respectively.

Drafted in the sixth round from the University of Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce carved out an illustrious career with the Eagles. He earned seven Pro Bowl honors and was named First-team All-Pro six times during his tenure with the team. His crowning achievement came in February 2018 when he helped the Eagles secure their first and only Super Bowl victory.

Kelce's final appearance in the Super Bowl took place in February 2023, where his Eagles faced the Chiefs, led by his brother Travis. In a fiercely contested match, Kansas City emerged victorious with a score of 38-35.

Although the Eagles made it to the playoffs this season, their hopes were dashed as they suffered a disappointing 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round. Speculation surrounding Kelce's retirement began circulating after this defeat, but he affirmed on his podcast "New Heights" that he would take the time to carefully consider his decision.

Kelce had said in January, "When it's time to officially announce what's happening in the future, it'll be done in a way that's definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me." He also acknowledged the need to wait for an appropriate moment, as it would be neither respectful nor accurate to announce his retirement immediately after such a game.

In the midst of this uncertainty, Kelce found solace in supporting his brother Travis and the Chiefs during their Super Bowl run in 2024. He, along with his wife Kylie and Travis' girlfriend, Taylor Swift, cheered on Kansas City throughout the playoffs, exemplifying the close bond shared by the Kelce family.

With his retirement, Jason Kelce leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the NFL, marked by his skill, dedication, and the unwavering support of his loved ones. As the football world bids farewell to this beloved figure, fans will forever remember his contributions on the field and the impact he made both as a player and as a family man.