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Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce said a tearful goodbye to the NFL on Monday after a remarkable 13-year career.
Kelce, a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro became a superstar across the league in recent years not only because of his play, but also his gigantic personality.
He and his brother Travis, a superstar in his own right for the Kansas City Chiefs, had become two of the faces of the league.
Despite still being at the top of his game, Kelce considered retirement following the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl in 2023. He ultimately decided to return for one more go around.
Reports following Philadelphia’s NFC Wild Card round loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 stated that Kelce told teammates it was his last game.
But a decision didn’t come for months after, with Kelce revealing that a fear of post-retirement depression had delayed the decision.
“All that stuff is also in the back of your head. No matter how you handle it, no matter who you are, how well prepared you are to enter the next stage, everybody goes through a level of depression, really,” he told former teammate Chris Long.
Fans React To Jason Kelce’s Emotional NFL Retirement
Ultimately, Kelce did come to a conclusion and said his emotional goodbye to the game of football.
Nobody cares more about this game than @JasonKelce. ❤️😢 pic.twitter.com/FEnllKeDtR
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2024
Shortly after, the tributes to Kelce came pouring in.
BREAKING NEWS: Jason Kelce is retiring from the NFL.. What a LEGENDARY career 👏#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Mxwy1g81BB
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 4, 2024
Jason Kelce was 1 of 1. In every way. Special player, special presence, special career.
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) March 4, 2024
Hell yeah to a HOF career @JasonKelce pic.twitter.com/0PffqYgCLn
— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) March 4, 2024
Thank you for everything Jason Kelce
Your legacy as a Philadelphia Icon will be the stuff of legend for generations to come.
You made Eagles fans everywhere live their dream of being a champion.
You’re a champion Jason.
Thank you for everything.
pic.twitter.com/7Bs5glL9CD pic.twitter.com/cbBekAiUO9
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) March 4, 2024
After 13 seasons in the @NFL, @jasonkelce has announced his retirement.
The 7-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion has left his mark on the game forever. 💚 pic.twitter.com/gesp93ycfP
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) March 4, 2024
LET IT ALL OUT KING pic.twitter.com/Qgixh6DuJB
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) March 4, 2024
Not going to lie, it's pretty hard watching Jason Kelce struggle during his retirement speech…
One of the greatest to ever wear a Birds uniform & one of the all-time Philly athletes. Few people have ever represented the city better. The 🐐.
Start building the statue yesterday pic.twitter.com/LgbsAfIAKs
— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) March 4, 2024
Kelce’s next stop is almost assuredly a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Not only for his play on the field, but also for his contributions to the Eagles franchise, and the league off of it.