Philadelphia Eagles middle Jason Kelce informed his teammates Monday night time that he’s retiring after 13 seasons within the NFL, ESPN first reported Tuesday.
The Eagles misplaced to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-9 in an NFC wild card sport on Monday, placing an finish to their season. Kelce has not but made an official public announcement, however a number of sources confirmed to ESPN that he informed his teammates the information within the locker room after Monday’s sport.
Kelce has performed for the Eagles for 13 years and performed a essential function when the Eagles received their first Super Bowl championship in 2018. Last yr, he signed a one-year contract that was set to run out on the finish of this season in March 2024.
At the time of signing that contract, Kelce stated he was on the fence about retiring, however in the end determined to play one other season.
“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season. After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t fucking done yet!” he posted on X in March 2023.
The 36-year-old declined to talk with reporters within the locker room, following a second when he appeared emotional on the sphere, per ESPN.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni spoke extremely of Kelce.
“I love him. Yeah, obviously we’re not there at that position yet, ready to talk about that, but he’s special and I love him,” Sirianni stated after the sport, in response to The Associated Press. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here and always want him to play.”
The NFL’s report of Kelce’s retirement referred to as Kelce “perhaps the NFL’s best center” and “one of the game’s finest characters.”
He was a part of Philadelphia’s “core four” stars, enduring among the worst and greatest seasons as an Eagles participant, in response to AP.
Kelce’s profession is marked by seven Pro Bowls and 6 All-Pro picks.
Kelce, considered one of People’s Sexiest Men of the Year final yr, hosts a podcast along with his youthful brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce. Their podcast, “New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce,” has attracted extra consideration ever because the youthful Kelce started courting singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
