Philadelphia Eagles Center Jason Kelce Retires After 13 NFL Seasons
ICARO Media Group
Kelce's wife, Kylie Kelce, revealed that she had witnessed many iterations of his retirement speech over the years, but this version was particularly special.
Describing the speech as a "perfect summary of 13 years," Kylie shared that Kelce had been contemplating retirement for years. The 40-minute trip down memory lane allowed Kelce to reflect on his most memorable moments in the City of Brotherly Love.
One of these cherished memories was his meeting with Kylie, which occurred after a drunken encounter at a local bar in 2014. Kelce recalled the moment vividly during his speech, stating that seeing Kylie walk through the door felt like love at first sight.
Despite the intoxicated first impression, their relationship flourished, leading to their marriage in April 2018. The couple has since welcomed three daughters into their lives.
Kelce's retirement speculation began after the Eagles' playoff loss to the Buccaneers in January. In a recent podcast episode, he admitted that his body could no longer keep up with his desire to continue playing football. His elbow and knees, in particular, had deteriorated to a point where he couldn't compete at the level he desired.
Acknowledging that the decision was a long time coming, Kelce expressed confidence in his choice to retire. He also expressed a desire to remain involved with the Eagles in some capacity, while also pursuing new endeavors such as weight loss and exploring other opportunities.
Although networks have reportedly shown interest in having Kelce join their broadcasting teams, he has not yet made a decision or announcement regarding any future broadcasting endeavors.
As news of his retirement spread, an outpouring of love and support flooded in from fans and the football community. Kelce's impact on and off the field during his time with the Eagles has left a lasting impression.
Jason Kelce leaves behind a legacy as a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports history. His retirement marks the end of an era for Eagles fans, but his contributions to the team and the city will never be forgotten.