After 13 seasons in the NFL, Jason Kelce announces his retirement

Jason Kelce declared his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles after 13 seasons. His parents, Ed and Donna, and brother Travis attended the press conference in the auditorium.

After 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jason Kelce announced his retirement. On Monday at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, the 36-year-old Kelce formally announced his retirement. This marked the end of a career that saw him develop into not only one of the greatest centers of all time and a crucial part of the team’s lone Super Bowl victory but also a well-liked Philly figure and well-known podcast presenter.

It’s going to be a long haul, remarked Kelce, sporting a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt, before breaking down in tears and needing some time to gather himself during a press conference that his parents, Ed and Donna, and brother Travis, who was sporting sunglasses, were all present for inside the auditorium. The Eagles’ coach, Nick Sirianni, sat behind the press conference.

Before announcing his retirement, Kelce took 45 minutes to review his career, from his early years in Ohio to his last days with the Eagles, replete with tears, humor, and heartfelt gratitude to his biggest inspirations.

In the 2011 NBA Draft, Cincinnati selected Kelce in the sixth round since being selected and becoming an Iron Man despite missing the majority of the 2012 season due to a partially torn MCL and ruptured ACL, the powerful, bushy-haired, and bearded Kelce has been a mainstay of the offensive line.