Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, one of the best and most beloved players in franchise history, announced his retirement on Monday after 13 seasons in the NFL.
Kelce, who was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round in 2011, played his entire career in Philadelphia, earning seven Pro Bowl selections, six first-team All-Pro honors, and a Super Bowl ring in 2018.
Kelce held a press conference at the Eagles facility, where he tearfully thanked everyone who helped him along his football journey, from his family and coaches to his teammates and fans.
“I’ve been asked many times: Why did I choose football? What drew me to the game? And I never have an answer that gets it right,” he said. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it. Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt.”
Kelce also reflected on his 13-year career with the Eagles, which he described as “filled with ups and downs.” He recalled some of the memorable moments, such as the “Hungry Dogs Run Faster” speech he gave at the Super Bowl parade, the “No One Likes Us, We Don’t Care” chant he started with the fans, and the countless blocks he made as a leader of the offensive line.
“So this all brings us here to today, where I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles,” he said. “And today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated. But (expletive), it took a lot of hard work and determination getting here.”
Kelce said he was proud to play his whole career in one city, especially in Philadelphia, where he felt a strong connection with the people and the culture.
“Thank you, Philadelphia. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday,” he said. “It has truly been a privilege. You have all been so good to me and my family. Growing up in Cleveland, I watched all of my favorite athletes leave the city. Hell, a whole team left the city. It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city. And I couldn’t have dreamt of a better one and a better fit if I tried.”
Kelce said he did not know what was next for him, but he looked forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await him.
“I don’t know what’s next, but I look forward to the next challenges and opportunities that await, and I know that I carry with me the lessons from my time here and that, forever, we shall all share the bond of being Philadelphians. That’s all I got.”
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Kelce as the ideal Eagle and a representative of Philadelphia in a statement.
“Jason Kelce is one of the most beloved players in the history of our franchise and he will always be an Eagle,” Lurie said. “He epitomizes everything we look for in a player - smart, tough, passionate, resilient, and a leader. He is a champion on and off the field and we are so lucky to have had him in Philadelphia for his entire career.”
