Following a remarkable 13-season career in the NFL, Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles has declared his retirement. Kelce bid a heartfelt farewell during a poignant 45-minute press conference at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia. Surrounded by his family, including his parents Ed and Donna, and his brother Travis Kelce, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, the 36-year-old Kelce, clad in an Eagles T-shirt, was visibly moved to tears. Reflecting on the moment, Kelce remarked, “Let’s see how long this lasts.”
Expressing his sentiments, Kelce shared, “It has always been my lifelong ambition to dedicate my entire career to one city. And I couldn’t have envisioned a more fitting scenario.” Looking ahead, Kelce embraced the unknown, eagerly anticipating fresh challenges and opportunities while carrying with him the lessons learned during his time in Philadelphia. He emphasized the enduring bond shared by all Philadelphians.
Drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft from the University of Cincinnati, Kelce played under the guidance of four head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni. Throughout his tenure, Kelce’s excellence on the field earned him seven Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors six times, achieving both distinctions in 2023.
Acknowledging his journey, Kelce confessed, “I must admit, I was officially overrated. Vastly overrated.” Yet, he credited his success to relentless hard work and determination, fueled by a lifelong underdog mentality. Kelce revealed that proving doubters wrong brought him immense satisfaction, recalling his mother’s advice: “‘If you want Jason to do something, just tell him he can’t.’” This sentiment, he admitted, fueled his drive and determination.
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