LATEST NEWS: Jason Kelce is calling time on his illustrious career with the Philadelphia Eagles after dedicating 13 seasons to the team.

One of the most cherished figures in Philadelphia Eagles history, Jason Kelce, has decided to retire from professional football. After contemplating this decision for years, Kelce tearfully announced his retirement during a heartfelt news conference on Monday afternoon.

Sporting an Eagles T-shirt and visibly emotional, Kelce remarked, “Let’s see how long this lasts,” before breaking down in tears. Surrounded by his parents, Ed and Donna, and his brother Travis, who wore sunglasses indoors, Kelce took 45 minutes to reflect on his journey from his upbringing in Ohio to his final days with the Eagles. His speech was marked by tears, laughter, and expressions of gratitude towards those who influenced him the most.

“I have always embraced the role of the underdog throughout my career,” Kelce stated. “And genuinely, I still wish I were one.”

Drafted in the sixth round back in 2011, Jason Kelce, now 36, spent his entire illustrious 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. His remarkable achievements include seven Pro Bowl selections and six first-team All-Pro nods, with the most recent coming in 2023, underscoring his elite level of play until his final game.

During an emotional speech, Kelce reflected on his deep connection to football, describing the sport as a visceral experience unlike any other. He expressed how stepping onto the field made him feel alive and liberated, evoking intense emotions comparable to one’s favorite song or book.

Despite his immense contributions to the Eagles and the NFL, Kelce’s arrival in 2011 as a sixth-round pick didn’t garner much attention. However, he quickly solidified his place as the team’s starting center, enduring multiple coaching changes from Andy Reid to Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and finally Nick Sirianni.

Kelce’s impact extended beyond his individual performance, as he played a pivotal role in redefining the center position, advocating for lighter and quicker players capable of excelling in open space.

With his legacy cemented in Philadelphia sports history, Kelce’s crowning achievement remains the Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LII in February 2018. As a future Hall of Famer, his name will forever be synonymous with the Birds’ triumph.

Jason Kelce’s legacy transcends his on-field achievements, marked by iconic moments like his impassioned speech during the Super Bowl 52 parade. Donning the iconic Mummers costume, Kelce’s rallying cry about Philadelphia’s underdog story resonated deeply with fans, catapulting him to national fame and inspiring the “Kelce Bowl” and a new podcast.

Off the field, Kelce embodied the spirit of Philadelphia through his involvement in community events like celebrity guest bartending and fundraising for the Eagles Autism Foundation. He’s a familiar face at local spots like McDonald’s and has showcased his musical talents by playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

In addition to his philanthropy and community involvement, Kelce launched a clothing line supporting Philadelphia’s youth and embraced fun nicknames like “Fat Batman.” Despite facing injuries and retirement rumors, Kelce’s commitment to the game remained unwavering, as seen in his decision to return for the 2023-24 season.

While his career culminated in disappointments like the playoff exit, Kelce’s impact on and off the field is undeniable. He’s revered not only as an all-time great in the NFL but also as a beloved figure in the City of Brotherly Love—a testament to his dedication, authenticity, and embodiment of the Philadelphia spirit.