Jason Kelce announced Monday that he is retiring after 13 years in the NFL.
“Today, I must admit, I am officially overrated,” Kelce said. “Vastly overrated. But, f**k, it took a lot of hard work and determination getting here.”
Kelce, who started crying as soon as he sat down at Monday’s news conference, explained how much football has meant to him.
“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt,” the 36-year-old said.
“There was a visceral feeling with football unlike any other sport,” he said. “The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I loved football.”
The Philadelphia Eagles center, who has played for the franchise for his entire tenure, thanked an array of people during his announcement, including his high school and college coaches, his teammates and his family.
When he got drafted to the NFL and picked to play for the Eagles, his agent told him he would fit in great in Philadelphia.
“Thirteen seasons in Philadelphia and I look back on a career filled with ups and downs,” he said. Kelce, a seven-time Pro Bowl player, helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2018, but the team fell short in 2023 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kelce said it was always a goal of his to play for just one team his entire career.
“I couldn’t have dreamt of a better one and a better fit if I tried,” he said.
Kelce became extra tearful when he spoke about losing to the Kansas City Chiefs and his brother, Travis Kelce, in the 2023 Super Bowl.
“I won’t forget falling short to the Chiefs and the conflicted feelings of immense heartbreak I had selfishly for myself and my teammates,” he said. “And at the same time, the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountaintop once again.”
Travis Kelce was also seen wiping away tears while watching his brother announce his retirement.
He said he doesn’t know what’s next for his career, but he looks forward to the next step.
“Thank you, Philadelphia,” Jason Kelce said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday. It has truly been a privilege. You have all been so good to me and my family.”
