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Jason Kelce is retiring from the NFL after 13 years playing center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a press conference where his brother Travis, mother Donna and father Ed were present, Jason delivered the news that made the whole Kelce family emotional.
Jason took the stage to share the news and got to an emotional start, breaking down in tears, saying, “Not a good start.”
During the press conference, Kelce reminisced about what drew him to the sport that saw him win the Super Bowl back in 2018.
“I’ve been asked many times why did I choose football — what drew me to the game — and I never have an answer that gets it right,” Jason said during his emotional announcement. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it.”
He continued, “Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”
Jason played his entire NFL career with the Eagles and took a moment to acknowledge the city of Philadelphia.
“Thirteen seasons in Philadelphia, and I look back on a career filled with ups and downs,” he said.
No one celebrates their own like the city of Philadelphia. Athletes become demigods in this city, even ones whose deeds span decades before… You will be loved by going above and beyond to show that you care, because [the fans] care. They’ve been caring for generations.”
In a statement, Philadelphia Eagles chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Lurie said, “Jason was an incredible football player; a future Hall of Famer who would have been successful anywhere. But has there ever been a more perfect marriage between a player, a city, and a team?”
Lurie continued, “Jason gave of himself for others, played through injuries, and never wavered through all the ups and downs of our seasons and his own personal career. He is a man of many talents — he could chug beers with fans at a tailgate, he could sing in a Christmas album and raise millions for charity, or he could talks X’s and O’s all day with coaches and teammates. Then after all that, he could do things out on the football field that no other offensive linemen are capable of doing.”
Scroll through the photos below of the Kelce family reacting to Jason’s NFL retirement announcement.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during his brother, Jason’s, retirement from the NFL
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Donna Kelce, mother of Jason Kelce, reacts during the announcement of his retirement from the NFL
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Ed Kelce, father of Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles, reacts during Jason’s NFL retirement
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles announces his retirement from the NFL
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during his brother, Jason’s, retirement announcement from the NFL
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles announces retirement from the NFL
Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
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