Jason Kelce retired from the NFL after 13 seasons.
With his parents, Ed and Donna, and brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce conducted an emotional 45-minute press conference Monday at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia.
The 36-year-old cried after wearing a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt.
“Let’s see how long this lasts,” Kelce remarked.
In his tearful news conference, Kelce detailed his legendary Eagles career and praised everyone in Philadelphia and from his upbringing who helped him succeed.
After 13 seasons with the Eagles, Kelce won a Suρer Bowl and made two Christmas albums.
“Playing my entire career in one city has always been my dream. “I couldn’t have imagined a better one or fit,” Kelce added. I don’t know what’s next, but I’m excited about new challenges and opportunities. I keep with me the lessons from my time here and know we can always be Philadelphians.”
Kelce was picked by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft from Cincinnati. He played for Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Kelce made seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pros. Both in 2023.
“I officially overrated. Overrated, Kelce stated. But it takes hard effort and determination to get here. I’ve been the underdog my whole career, and I wish I still was. Few things made me happier than proving someone wrong. ‘If you want Jason to do anything, all you have to do is tell him he can’t,’ my mother said and still does. True in more ways than I want to acknowledge. I love doubters—they ignited me.”
Kelce can enter the Pro Football Hall of Fаme in 2029.
“It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organization, to the City of Philadelphia, and to our fans,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie wrote on X. “He gave us everything for 13 years. He did it authentically. Jason was a future Hall of Fаme football player who could succeed anyplace. Was there ever a better match between a player, city, and team?”
Highly renowned Eagles оffensive line coach Jeff Stoutland thanked Kelce on social media.
“Jason, Many of my favorite coaching memories have been with you over the past 11 seasons. I’m proud of your career and legacy. I’ll miss your company. It’s been my honor and congratulations on a great career “X-post by Stoutland.
Kelce on Suρer Bowl LII parade speech
Kelce is a Philadelphia icon on and off the field. He made the city his second home, and his 2018 Suρer Bowl parade outburst will go down in sports history as one of the greatest.
The 36-year-old declared Monday that Philadelphia owns the legendary speech.
“I’ll never forget the parade’s impact on Philadelphia. It brought joy and closure to our community. Kelce said the stories of supporters who had waited decades for that moment heightened that triumph.
“On the journey, I met a woman bearing аshes of a deceased relative who pledged to attend the parade if the Eagles won. A self-written speech that embodied our lives as players, teammates, and city. That wasn’t my speech. Philadelphia’s.”
“A great blessing to play” Philly
Kelce thanked his parents, high school music teacher, Reid, Sirianni, and Stoutland during his press conference for helping him become an NFL Hall of Famer.
Kelce discussed his brother and playing in the “most passionate sports town in America.”
“It’s only poetic that I found my career being fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love,” Kelce. “I knew that relationship all too well.”
Kelce then explained what makes a Philadelphia athlete successful.
Some strugglе in this city. Our fans, journalists, and boos overwhelm them “Kelce stated. “Playing in America’s most passionate sports town is a blessing. The urgency in this community to win has driven our organization to take risks, correct problems, and work hard to win.”
Kelce discusses playing in Philadelphia.
The city might be frustrating for athletes, especially newcomers, but after enough time, you grow to enjoy it. Philadelphia celebrates its own like no other city. Even decades-old athletes become demigods in this metropolis. The Eagles are the most talked-about ticket in town, almost always.
However, with so much attention, you must be prepared to overcome lows and endure criticism. Yes, they will tell you when you’re struggling. Every time. They’ll love you if you’re аggressive, determined, and willing to bаttle. Love this city like you love your brother, and they will adore you.
Going above and above to demonstrate you care will make you loved. They’ve cared about this club for generations in this community, and they won’t accept excuses and soft-[expletive] crаp for the nаme on the jersey, something they’ve dedicated their lives in. It’s simple to dislike what fans and media sаy as a player. Love them. Treat them like brothers. Play hard out there. Wear your heart on your sleeve and change those tales.”