Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Kelce Shows Support for Trainer Battling Cancer
ICARO Media Group
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and gratitude, Philadelphia Eagles' center Jason Kelce went above and beyond to make his longtime trainer, Joseph O'Pella, feel at home during his battle with cancer. Despite being unable to treat Kelce during his final game, the bond between the two remained strong.
Joseph O'Pella had served as the Eagles' trainer for the entirety of Jason Kelce's career, resulting in a special bond between them. Kelce, known for his iconic taped fingers and ankles, heavily relied on O'Pella's expertise throughout the years.
Unfortunately, O'Pella's battle with cancer has kept him away from the team as he undergoes radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Despite the distance, Kelce made numerous gestures to support his trainer during this challenging time.
"In what would be his final season, when I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo radiation and chemo, he offered his shore house if I needed to get away, and offered to pay for real services to help my wife and I out," O'Pella shared in an Instagram post. "That's who he is as a person."
Kelce also made it a point to check on O'Pella regularly, even when he was too sick to come into the team facility due to chemotherapy. The conversations between the two extended beyond football, as they would chat about random things, showcasing their deep bond.
However, as the Eagles faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild card round, O'Pella's illness prevented him from taping Kelce's fingers and ankles for what would be his final game. "When he told me he would be retiring and I expressed my regret of not being the last person to ever tape him," O'Pella expressed.
But Kelce would not let that moment pass by. Showing his appreciation for their long-standing partnership, Kelce offered to have O'Pella tape him for his retirement press conference. It was a sincere gesture that spoke volumes about Kelce's character and the significance of their relationship.
"That's who he is. And I hope these stories can add to an already unbelievable legacy," wrote O'Pella, reflecting on the support he received from Kelce during his battle with cancer.
As fans and teammates alike celebrate Jason Kelce's illustrious career on the field, it is these stories of selflessness and compassion that truly define his impact both on and off the game. The bond shared with Joseph O'Pella serves as a testament to the lasting connections forged through the game they both loved.
As O'Pella continues his fight against cancer, the support and friendship of players like Kelce will surely serve as a source of strength. Through their actions, these individuals demonstrate that football is not just a game, but a community that cares for one another in times of need.