Jason Kelce drew a slew of congratulations after officially announcing his retirement Monday in a 45-minute speech.
The six-time All-Pro center spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, winning a Super Bowl in 2018. He is the only center with a Super Bowl ring and six first-team All-Pro selections since the 1970 merger. Kelce is also the fifth center in NFL history with at least six All-Pro honors.
“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt,” Kelce said in his retirement speech. “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.'”
Kelce’s parents, Ed and Donna, his wife, Kylie, and brother, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, were all in attendance.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that after the Eagles wild-card playoff round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, Kelce told his teammates he’d be retiring. However, he did not make it official until Monday.
His alma mater, the Cincinnati Bearcats, where Kelce was a walk-on, and athletes from around the sports world were among the first to congratulate him on his career.
Philly area teams and alma mater
The greatest to ever do it 🐐
Congratulations on an incredible NFL career, Jason Kelce. pic.twitter.com/HNRn5etpna
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
To the GOAT. Thank you, thank you, thank you. pic.twitter.com/N4TMP2LbHH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
Cheers to one heck of a career. 💚
Thank you for everything you’ve done for Philly, @JasonKelce. Best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/1hRhefvz1d
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 4, 2024
congratulations on a legendary career @JasonKelce! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZ4abQP9KD
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 4, 2024
A true Philadelphian.
Congrats on your retirement and a Hall of Fame career, @JasonKelce! pic.twitter.com/mfH7nslirA
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 4, 2024
A Philly and @NFL legend forever.
Enjoy your retirement, @JasonKelce!#DOOP | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Fa6XMV6g8m
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 4, 2024
One of the best to ever do it 🐐
Congratulations on a great career @JasonKelce #Bearcats pic.twitter.com/gYb3qzmr4p
— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) March 4, 2024
Not bad for a walk-on.
Congratulations on a legendary career, @JasonKelce! 🐐
— Cincinnati Bearcats (@GoBEARCATS) March 4, 2024
NFL world
Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now.
Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce
A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you.
🙏🏼
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2024
Congrats on an unbelievable HOF Career @JasonKelce! https://t.co/ZwIfbertHA
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 4, 2024
I honestly don’t think you understand the impact you had on your teammates for the past 13 years.
I wouldn’t be the player I am without you and we would not have had the success without you; and that’s not even talking about your on-field talent.
Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/bSCldHeDxY
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) March 4, 2024
Congrats to my guy @JasonKelce amazing career!!! #EaglesGoat https://t.co/Iy3f5WmzHV
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend!
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
Respect Jason ✌🏿
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) March 4, 2024
phenom career 🫡 draft class ’11 https://t.co/DvzcXQPY6B
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) March 4, 2024
🦅Legend, @JasonKelce thank you and congratulations🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Nakobe Dean🔝🔜 (@NakobeDean) March 4, 2024
— Javon Hargrave (@Jay_MostWanted) March 4, 2024
Not “an” underdog. The Underdog. https://t.co/lx1L18PX9H
— DIG B0ston. (@BostonScott2) March 4, 2024
An ICON for all center and offensive lineman. Truly humbled to be able to watch such greatness, physicality, and passion. The goat in my books…. Congratulations @JasonKelce https://t.co/RwdegOp7wC
— Jackson Powers-Johnson (@BigJax58) March 4, 2024
Source: www.espn.com