After a disappointing 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wild-Card Weekend, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, sibling to Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce, delivered a heartfelt message to his teammates in the locker room, officially announcing his retirement.
This revelation, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on January 16, marked the conclusion of Jason Kelce’s illustrious 12-season NFL career, during which he achieved seven Pro Bowl appearances and six All-Pro selections.
Six-time All-Pro and future Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce told his Eagles’ teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2024
The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers. He… pic.twitter.com/GofAAlFtUd
As the football community processes Jason Kelce’s departure, the question arises: will Travis Kelce, aged 34, follow in his brother’s footsteps and retire after the 2023 season?
Despite the contemplation, Travis addressed the matter during a press conference on January 11, expressing his ongoing passion for the game and stating, “I have no desire to stop anytime soon.”
Travis Kelce boasts an impressive 11-season NFL career, accumulating 907 receptions, 11,328 receiving yards, and 74 touchdowns in the regular season, as per Pro Football Reference.
With nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro nods, Kelce has left an indelible mark on the league.
While his regular-season statistics are noteworthy, Kelce’s legacy shines brightest in the postseason.
Across 19 playoff games, he has notched 140 catches, 1,619 yards, and 16 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl victories, the latest in 2023.
Whenever Travis Kelce decides to retire, it will undoubtedly be a moment of reflection for Chiefs Kingdom.
His impact both on and off the field cements his status not only as one of the greatest Chiefs but also as one of the premier NFL players of all time.
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 16, 2024
Following Jason Kelce’s retirement announcement, users on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) expressed their sentiments.
One user acknowledged the significance of a legendary player like Kelce making the decision to retire, while another praised Kelce’s impressive career and anticipated the lasting impact he would leave on the sport.
Fans also thanked Jason Kelce for his contributions, reminiscing about his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and his pivotal role in bringing home a Lombardi Trophy.
As the football world absorbs the news of Jason Kelce’s retirement, the legacy of the Kelce brothers continues to resonate, leaving fans and fellow players alike to appreciate the mark they have made on the NFL.