PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia Eagles heart Jason Kelce has formally retired from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Kelce held an emotional, 45-minute press convention Monday on the NovaCare Advanced in South Philadelphia, with his spouse Kylie, his dad and mom, Ed and Donna, and brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, in attendance.
The 36-year-old wore a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt and instantly burst into tears.
“Let’s have a look at how lengthy this lasts,” Kelce mentioned.
Throughout his tear-filled press convention, Kelce recounted his storied profession with the Eagles and thanked those that helped him attain new heights, each in Philadelphia and from his childhood.
Kelce performed 13 seasons for the Eagles, gained a Tremendous Bowl and launched two Christmas albums.
“It has at all times been a aim of mine to play my entire profession in a single metropolis. And I could not have dreamt a greater one and a greater match if I attempted,” Kelce mentioned. “I do not know what’s subsequent, however I look ahead to the brand new challenges and alternatives that await. And I do know that I carry with me the teachings from my time right here and that without end we are able to all share the bond of being Philadelphians.”
Philadelphia drafted Kelce within the sixth spherical of the 2011 NFL draft out of the College of Cincinnati. He performed for 4 head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni.
In his profession, Kelce was named to seven Professional Bowls and named an All-Professional six occasions. He was each in 2023.
“I have to admit, I’m formally overrated. Vastly overrated,” Kelce mentioned. “But it surely took a number of laborious work and dedication getting right here. I’ve been the underdog my complete profession and I imply this after I say it, I want I nonetheless was. Few issues gave me extra pleasure than proving somebody mistaken. My mom used to inform individuals and nonetheless says to at the present time, ‘In order for you Jason to do one thing, all you must is inform him he cannot.’ And that was true in additional methods than I care to confess. I relish doubters, they fueled a fireplace inside.”
Kelce might be eligible for the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 2029. Â
“It’s tough to place into phrases how a lot Jason Kelce has meant to everybody on this group, to the Metropolis of Philadelphia, and to our followers,” Eagles proprietor Jeffrey Lurie mentioned in a prolonged assertion posted to X. “He gave the whole lot he needed to all of us for 13 years. And he did it in a approach that was actually genuine. Jason was an unimaginable soccer participant; a future Corridor of Famer who would have been profitable wherever. However has there ever been a extra good marriage between a participant, a metropolis and a group?”
Extremely regarded Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland posted a message on social media thanking Kelce.
“Jason, A few of my fondest teaching moments have been by your facet these previous 11 seasons. I am so pleased with the participant you have labored to turn out to be and legacy you have constructed. I’ll miss having you by my facet. It has been my honor & I congratulate you on an unimaginable profession,” Stoutland posted on X.
Kelce on Tremendous Bowl LII parade speech
Kelce has turn out to be a legend in Philadelphia, each on and off the sector. He adopted the town as his second house, and his 2018 rant through the Eagles’ Tremendous Bowl parade will without end be remembered as one of the vital memorable speeches in sports activities historical past.
The 36-year-old mentioned Monday that the epic speech wasn’t his – it belongs to Philadelphia.
“I will not neglect the parade and what it meant to the town of Philadelphia. The enjoyment it introduced our group and the closure it gave to so many. The tales from followers that had been ready generations for that second fulfilled that triumph to a different degree,” Kelce mentioned.
“On the route, I bear in mind assembly a girl with ashes of a lifeless relative who she had promised would not miss the parade if the Eagles had ever gained it. A speech that had written itself and one which symbolized what all of us lived as gamers as a group and as a metropolis. That wasn’t my speech. It was Philadelphia’s.”
“An important blessing to play” in Philadelphia
Throughout his press convention, Kelce spoke about everybody who helped him alongside the best way to an NFL Corridor of Fame profession – from his dad and mom to his highschool band trainer to Reid and Sirianni to Stoutland.
Kelce additionally spoke about his relationship together with his brother and what it was prefer to play within the “most passionate sports activities city in America.”
“It is solely poetic that I discovered my profession being fulfilled within the Metropolis of Brotherly Love,” Kelce mentioned. “I knew that relationship all too nicely.”
Then, Kelce described what it takes for an athlete to excel in Philadelphia.Â
“Some individuals battle on this metropolis. They can not deal with the boos, the media, or our followers,” Kelce mentioned. “I think about it an awesome blessing to play in probably the most passionate sports activities city in America. The sense of urgency on this metropolis to win has pushed our group, has fueled it to take probabilities, repair issues and work tirelessly in an effort to win.”
This is extra from Kelce about taking part in in Philadelphia.
“At occasions, you hate it as an athlete, particularly these new to the town, however once you’ve been by it sufficient, you be taught to understand it. Nobody celebrates their very own just like the Metropolis of Philadelphia. Athletes turn out to be demigods on this metropolis, even ones who deeds span many years earlier than. The Eagles are the No. 1 ticket on the town, probably the most talked about factor in practically each second.
However [with] that quantity of consideration, you higher be prepared to beat the lows that may occur and persevere within the face of the criticism. Sure, they may let you already know when you find yourself not performing nicely. Each time. However they may also love you in case you present effort, aggression, need, the desire to combat. They’ll love you on this metropolis in case you like it the best way you’re keen on your brother.
You can be cherished by going above and past to indicate that you simply care as a result of they care. They have been caring for generations on this city about this group they usually aren’t about to just accept excuses and soft-[expletive] nonsense representing the title on the entrance of the jersey, one thing they’ve invested their complete lives in. Should you do not like what the followers and media are saying as a participant, it’s totally straightforward. Love them. Deal with them like your brothers. And exit and play your balls off. Put on your coronary heart in your sleeve and I assure you alter these narratives.”