Sadly, the rumors are true! In an emotional press conference this week, Jason Kelce announced he is officially retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons. A beloved fan favorite in Philadelphia, our fat batman fought back tears today as he announced his retirement.
Jason Kelce, A Fan-Favorite
Indeed, Jason Kelce will go down as one of the greatest Eagles players of all time. A fan-favorite and accomplished athlete, Kelce has hinted at retirement over the last few seasons. The Eagles center ultimately decided to stay in the NFL a few more seasons in hopes he would win what would’ve been his second Super Bowl title with the team.
However, after 13 seasons, the beloved player is hanging up his helmet.
Kelce was noticeably emotional Monday night when the Eagles lost to the Buccaneers 32-9.
A Heck Of A Career
Despite the way the season unfolded, Kelce still had a good one. As noted by sports writer Jeff Kerr, Kelce allowed just one sack and 12 pressures on the year, with a pressure rate per dropback of 1.9%. This coming off a career year, allowing zero sacks, eight pressures, and a 1.3% pressure rate allowed per dropback.
Kelce was selected as a first-team All-Pro for the sixth time this season, becoming the only center since the merger to earn six first-team All-Pro selections and win a Super Bowl title. Kelce is a first-team All-Pro at his position for the sixth time in the last seven seasons, just the fifth center in NFL history with that many All-Pro selections.
Thank You Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce is more than just an athlete. One of the most beloved Eagles players of all time, Kelce was a staple in Philadelphia culture. His enthusiasm, humor, charisma, and bearded smile exuded an infectious energy that had a way of uniting Eagles fans throughout the city.
On the field he will missed, in the city, he will forever be loved.