“I won’t forget the parade and what it meant to the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought to our community and the closure it gave to so many. The stories from fans who had been waiting generations for that moment fulfilled that triumph to another level”
Philadelphia (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) –Â Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL after an illustrious 13-season career. The emotional announcement took place during a 45-minute press conference at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, where Kelce was accompanied by his parents, Ed and Donna, and his brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wearing a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt, Kelce couldn’t hold back tears as he reflected on his journey with the team, expressing gratitude to those who supported him from childhood through his professional career.
“Let’s see how long this lasts,” Kelce said Monday (04/03/2024).
Drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft from the University of Cincinnati, Kelce played under four head coaches and achieved remarkable success, including winning a Super Bowl and earning numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Now 36, Kelce emphasized his deep connection to Philadelphia, stating that playing his entire career in one city was a personal goal realized. He acknowledged the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead while cherishing the lessons learned during his time with the Eagles.
With eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2029, Kelce’s impact transcends statistics and accolades. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie hailed Kelce’s contribution, describing it as a perfect alignment between player, city, and team.
“It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organization, to the City of Philadelphia, and to our fans. He gave everything he had to all of us for 13 years. And he did it in a way that was truly authentic. 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?” Jeffrey said.
Among those expressing gratitude for Kelce’s tenure was Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who acknowledged Kelce’s transformative influence both on and off the field.
“Jason, some of my fondest coaching moments have been by your side these past 11 seasons. I’m so proud of the player you’ve worked to become and the legacy you’ve built. I will miss having you by my side. It’s been my honor, and I congratulate you on an incredible career,” Stoutland posted on X.
Kelce’s legacy in Philadelphia extends beyond his athletic achievements. His impassioned speech during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade in 2018 remains etched in the city’s memory, symbolizing the collective triumph and resilience of the community.
“I won’t forget the parade and what it meant to the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought to our community and the closure it gave to so many. The stories from fans who had been waiting generations for that moment fulfilled that triumph to another level,” Kelce said.
In his farewell address, Kelce attributed his success to the unwavering support of his family, coaches, and the passionate Philadelphia fanbase. He praised the city’s fervor for sports and emphasized the need for dedication and resilience in the face of challenges.
“Some people struggle in this city. They can’t handle the boos, the media, or our fans,” Kelce said. “I consider it a great blessing to play in the most passionate sports town in America. The sense of urgency in this city to win has pushed our organization, fueled it to take chances, fix problems, and work tirelessly in an effort to win,” Kelce said.
As Kelce bids farewell to his playing career, his impact on Philadelphia and the NFL will endure as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the enduring bond between athlete and community.
