Why is Jason Kelce Retiring? What Happened to Jason Kelce? Is Jason Kelce Going to Retire From Football?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jan 17, 2024
Why is Jason Kelce Retiring?
Jason Kelce, the longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles, is retiring from the NFL after playing for 13 seasons. His decision comes after the Eagles lost a playoff game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite his emotional final moments on the sideline, Kelce hasn't officially confirmed his retirement publicly yet. He had been thinking about retiring for a few seasons, but his coach tried to convince him to return in 2022 by sending him a keg of beer.
Kelce, a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports, had a remarkable career with a Super Bowl win in 2017, five All-Pro selections, and seven Pro Bowl appearances.
Besides football, he co-hosts a podcast, was the subject of a documentary, and was named one of People magazine's Sexiest Men for 2023. The decision to retire comes after Kelce's concerns about the toll football takes on his body, as shown in a documentary filmed during the 2022 season.
Teammates and coaches have praised Kelce, and his retirement marks the end of an era for the Eagles. The final confirmation of his retirement is expected to come through an episode of the "New Heights" podcast that he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Who is Jason Kelce?
Jason Kelce is an American football player known for his impressive career as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Born on November 5, 1987, he played college football at Cincinnati and was chosen by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Throughout his career, Kelce has achieved notable success, including winning a Super Bowl, being selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, and earning All-Pro honors six times.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history, Kelce's impact goes beyond the field as he co-hosts the podcast "New Heights" with his brother Travis, where they discuss their playing careers and various topics.
Away from football, Jason Kelce was born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, to Ed Kelce, a steel business sales representative, and Donna, who works in banking. Growing up, Kelce was not only a standout football player but also showcased his musical talents by playing the baritone saxophone in high school bands.
Married to Kylie McDevitt, whom he met on a dating app, Kelce is a family man with three daughters. Which differs from the rest of his paternal family, Kelce's journey from high school multi-sport athlete to NFL star reflects his versatility and dedication both on and off the field.
Is Jason Kelce Going To Retire From Football?
Yes, it seems that Jason Kelce is going to retire from football. Multiple reports, including from ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, suggest that the Philadelphia Eagles center has informed his teammates about his decision after the team's playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 36-year-old, who is a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro selection, has spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII in 2018. Despite being a free agent in March, it appears Kelce has decided to retire, marking the end of an impressive football journey.
Why is Jason Kelce Retiring - FAQs
Jason Kelce is retiring after a 13-season career, culminating with the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Yes, Kelce's retirement announcement followed the Eagles' playoff defeat to the Buccaneers, contributing to his decision.
Kelce has had a remarkable career, being a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, and winning Super Bowl LII with the Eagles.
Kelce had considered retirement in previous seasons, and his coach even sent a keg of beer to persuade him to return for the 2022 season.
While there is a theoretical chance, Kelce, set to become an unrestricted free agent, seems to have made a definitive decision to retire.