Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is reportedly calling it a career after 13 seasons with the team.
Kelce was emotional on the sidelines on Monday night as the team lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-9, in their wild-card playoff matchup. He walked back to the locker room and embraced general manager Howie Roseman, potentially one final time with an Eagles uniform on.
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Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles during the wild-card playoff game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 15, 2024, in Tampa. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The 36-year-old center told teammates after the game he was going to retire, ESPN reported Tuesday. He declined to talk to reporters after the game.
“I love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after the game. “He’s special and I love him. He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here.”
Center Jason Kelce walks off the field after the Philadelphia Eagles lost the wild-card playoff game against the Buccaneers, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in Tampa. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Should Monday be his final game in the NFL, Kelce will retire as a five-time First-Team All-Pro member and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He was on the 2017 Super Bowl team that saw the Eagles upset the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots for the franchise’s first championship.
Kelce’s status within the city was raised when he gave a speech dressed as a Mummer during the Super Bowl parade. He’s also developed a popular podcast with his brother, Travis.
The former Cincinnati standout is likely on his way to a Hall of Fame selection.
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Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up for the wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15, 2024, in Florida. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
“He’s a legend in the city – really in the league,” Philly quarterback Jalen Hurts said. “I don’t want to do a disservice to him and the things he’s been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn’t come easy. It’s been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I’ve been here it’s been, ‘Are you going to come back?’
“But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I’ve learned from him. He’ll forever have a special place in my heart.”
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The Eagles chose Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 draft. He started his career when Andy Reid was the head coach, played through the Chip Kelly and Doug Pederson eras, and appears to be finishing under Sirianni.
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