PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has officially retired from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Kelce held an emotional, 45-minute press conference Monday at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia, with his parents, Ed and Donna, and brother, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, in attendance.
The 36-year-old wore a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt and immediately burst into tears.
During his tear-filled press conference, Kelce recounted his storied career with the Eagles and thanked those who helped him reach new heights, both in Philadelphia and from his childhood.
Kelce has played 13 seasons for the Eagles, won a Super Bowl and released two Christmas albums.
"It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city. And I couldn't have dreamt a better one and a better fit if I tried," Kelce said. "I don't know what's next, but I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await. And I know that I carry with me the lessons from my time here and that forever we can all share the bond of being Philadelphians."
Philadelphia drafted Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Cincinnati. He played for four head coaches: Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni.
In his career, Kelce was named to seven Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro six times. He was both in 2023.
"I must admit, I officially overrated. Vastly overrated," Kelce said. "But it took a lot of hard work and determination getting here. I have been the underdog my entire career and I mean this when I say it, I wish I still was. Few things gave me more joy than proving someone wrong. My mother used to tell people and still says to this day, 'If you want Jason to do something, all you have to is tell him he can't.' And that was true in more ways than I care to admit. I relish doubters, they fueled a fire within."
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," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a lengthy statement posted to X. "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?"
Highly regarded Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland posted a message on social media thanking Kelce.
"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 legacy you've built. I will miss having you by my side. It's been my honor & I congratulate you on an incredible career," Stoutland posted on X.
Kelce on Super Bowl LII parade speech
Kelce has become a legend in Philadelphia, both on and off the field. He adopted the city as his second home, and his 2018 rant during the Eagles' Super Bowl parade will forever be remembered as one of the most memorable speeches in sports history.
The 36-year-old said Monday that the epic speech wasn't his - it belongs to Philadelphia.
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