Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce hasn’t announced his retirement plans publicly, but at least now he’s revealed why.
During his weekly “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce didn’t shy away from retirement talk Wednesday, while not announcing when or if he would make it official any time soon.
The 6-time All-Pro talked about why he didn’t announce anything after the Philadelphia Eagles’ season ended with a 32-9 wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, although there were reports that the game would be his last and that he told his teammates about his intentions to retire after 13 seasons.
“(Eagles head coach) Nick (Sirianni) kind of gave me an opportunity to talk,” said Kelce. “I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite what’s been leaked to the media. I just didn’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. I just don’t. There’s too much emotion in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”
Kelce, 36, then talked about how he would like to handle a retirement announcement without confirming or denying he would follow through on it this offseason.
“I’m not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out,” he said. “I’m really not. It’s just something that I think, you know, when it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s, you know, definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and has led to the career I’ve had.
“You know, I don’t think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that.”
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Jason Kelce confirms he addressed the team after the game
As previously reported, Kelce said he addressed the team in the locker room and encouraged the Eagles players to “cherish the moments in this league.””A lot of guys … (said), ‘If that’s your last game, I feel sorry for you,’ ” Kelce said. “I’m like, ‘Don’t feel sorry for me, (expletive).'”
After that comment, Jason Kelce then stopped talking and began breathing heavier as if he was getting emotional in the moment, with Travis then saying, “Hell, yeah, brother. Hell, yeah.”
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Kelce, who’s been invited to seven Pro Bowls and has one Super Bowl ring, is a lock to earn induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
A sixth-round pick in 2011 out of Cincinnati, Kelce is considered among the greatest players to ever play the center position. If his retirement becomes official this offseason, Kelce would be eligible as a first-ballot inductee in 2029.