Philadelphia Eagles standout center Jason Kelce revealed his retirement plans to teammates in the postgame locker room on Monday night, as per league sources informed ESPN.
At the age of 36, Kelce displayed visible emotions following the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card playoff. Although he had contemplated retirement in previous seasons, sources indicate that this time, the six-time All-Pro and prospective Hall of Famer is indeed retiring.
After the game, Kelce chose not to engage with reporters in the locker room, stating, “No guys, not today.” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed admiration, saying, “I love him. 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.”
Playing on a one-year contract this season, Kelce, set to become a free agent in March, leaves an impactful legacy with the Eagles. Drafted in the sixth round in 2011, he spent his entire 13-year career with the team, contributing as a key leader during six postseason appearances and two Super Bowl trips over the past seven seasons.
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson revealed that Kelce had hinted to teammates about this potentially being his final season. Kelce’s impressive record places him as the fifth center in NFL history with a minimum of six All-Pro selections, joining the ranks of Hall of Famers Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermontti Dawson, and Jim Ringo.
