After an incredible run with one franchise, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is retiring at 36 years old.
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ESPN's Adam Schefter reported via X that Kelce informed his teammates he will be retiring following Monday night's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild card round.
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.
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
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2024
Kelce spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Eagles. During that span, the legendary center was a Super Bowl champion, six-time first-team All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowler. Given his impressive resume and larger-than-life personality, Kelce will almost certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
As time run out in Philadelphia's disappointing 32-9 loss to Tampa Bay, Kelce was shown visibly emotional on the sideline. The reaction was likely due to Kelce knowing that he would be retiring once the season was over.
Jason Kelce in tears after what may have been his last game in the NFL
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 16, 2024
The Eagles will now have another tough decision to make this offseason in order to replace one of the greatest centers in NFL history. Along with his ability and accolades, Kelce was largely responsible for the team's success with the "tush push", allowing quarterback Jalen Hurts to consistently get first downs on short-yardage situations.
Along with finding Kelce's replacements, the Eagles may also be considering what to do with head coach Nick Sirianni. After a 10-1 start, the Eagles fell apart over the final stretch of the season, losing six of their last seven games. There is speculation that Sirianni could be on the hot seat, but a decision will likely be made on his future in the coming days.
As for Kelce, the longtime Eagles center will likely continue exploring media opportunities, especially given the success of his "New Heights" podcast with his brother Travis Kelce. There will be plenty of opportunities for Jason after football, but Eagles fans will be spending the next few days celebrating one of the most beloved Philadelphia athletes of the last few decades.
