March 5, 2024 Update
All of the rumors are true! Jason Kelce — esteemed center for the Philadelphia Eagles — officially confirmed his retirement from the NFL on Monday after 13 remarkable years. Making the announcement during an emotional press conference at the NovaCare Complex, Kelce's decision marks the end of an era for the Eagles, whom he served with unwavering dedication.
Kelce began as a sixth-round NFL draft pick in 2011, defying the odds by playing in 193 regular-season games and starting in 156 consecutive matches. Known for his athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, Kelce earned six All-Pro selections and made seven Pro Bowl appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the game's greatest centers.
Beyond the field, his impact extended into the community. He was actively involved in charitable endeavors, including work with the Eagles Autism Foundation and fundraising efforts through The Philly Specials Christmas albums. Kelce's contributions on and off the field have left an unforgettable mark on the Philadelphia Eagles organization and the NFL as a whole.
Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffery Lurie shared his thoughts:
"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. 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?”
One of the defining moments of Kelce's career came during the Eagles' triumphant Super Bowl LII victory parade, where he delivered an impassioned speech that encapsulated the spirit of Philadelphia and endeared him to fans forever. Kelce reminisced on this day during his retirement announcement, saying, "I won't forget the parade and what it meant to the city of Philadelphia. The joy it brought our community and the closure it gave to so many. The stories from fans that had been waiting generations for that moment, fulfilled that triumph to another level.”
Jason and Travis Kelce share a special bond as brothers, extending beyond their familial connection to a mutual passion for football and camaraderie. While Jason has made a name for himself as a distinguished center for the Philadelphia Eagles, Travis has excelled as a standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
“I won't forget… the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountain top once again...,” Jason shared during the press conference. “There is no chance I'd be here without the bond Travis and I share. It made me stronger, tougher, smarter, and it taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty, patience, and understanding.”
Luckily, fans will still be able to enjoy the brothers’ podcast New Heights, where Jason and Travis offer listeners an intimate glimpse into their lives, discussing a wide range of topics, including sports, family dynamics, and funny anecdotes.
As Kelce bids farewell to the NFL, he leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations. Although he may no longer be suiting up on Sundays, his impact will continue to be felt, serving as a guiding light for future athletes striving for greatness both on and off the field.
"Thank you, Philadelphia, from the bottom of my heart,” Kelce concluded. “Thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday… 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 shall all share the bond of being Philadelphians."
January 23, 2024
Rumors are flying that Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce will retire from the NFL after 13 seasons. Fans speculate that his appearance at the Chiefs vs. Bills game on Sunday, January 21, was a celebration of his retirement, citing his upbeat attitude and first public interaction with Taylor Swift as evidence.
ESPN first reported the retirement news, pointing to Jason’s teammates as the source. Sports reporter Adam Schefter wrote the following on X:
“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 has considered retiring after other recent seasons, but this time is said to be real and happening.”
At first, the elder Kelce refrained from commenting, telling NBC News, “Not today.” The news spread like wildfire through football and Swiftie circles alike, although these claims weren’t very strong, and Jason was forced to address them more directly.
Jason is considering his options, which include playing another NFL season, coaching, or expanding his career as a sports analyst on Amazon Prime, a role he debuted back in September 2023. "I don't even know what involves my future, whether it's playing football or not," Kelce said, reported by The Mirror. "I have no idea [what I will do]. We'll figure it out. I don't wanna address any of this stuff right now. I don't like to live in absolutes in general.”
On his New Heights podcast with brother Travis, he expanded his thoughts:
"I don’t know what next year is going to look like with the team. Coaches, players… I just want to make sure everybody knows how much I love and respect and appreciate the effort and energy they put into the year. I know the outcome, Philadelphia, was not acceptable, but I love each and every person in that room…
“It's just something that I think, when it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I've had. I don't think that it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like [the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers]. ... But, in the future, there will be something said, I guess.”
And that’s that for now! The rumors are seemingly squashed, yet plenty remains up in the air regarding Jason’s career in the future. So, what’s the pro been up to in the meantime?
Jason and Taylor Swift may seem like an unlikely match, but they have recently been connected through Kansas City Chief’s tight end Travis Kelce, the younger Kelce brother. Travis has been seeing the mega popstar since mid-2023, and she’s attended plenty of her buff boyfriend's games since their romance began.
Swift has been pictured with Brittany Mahomes and the Kelce matriarch Donna at every turn, and, at last, it seems Swift’s met the entire Kelce family. She was spotted celebrating with father Ed Kelce and a shirtless Jason in a private box at Highmark Stadium.
After his younger brother scored a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, Jason ripped off his shirt and lept from his family’s private box, bellowing in triumph, and swiftly chugged a beer. Swift also celebrated wildly, blushing as her boyfriend threw up her signature “hand heart” in her direction. After the second touchdown, Swift and Jason shared a high-five that set the internet aflame.
Taylor Swift, of course, is no stranger to the sports world, as both the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have used her music in stadium soundtracks. In a heartwarming turn of events, Jason scooped up a young girl holding a “ I Heart T. Swift” sign and carried her to his private box for the pop star to see. The 8-year-old fan Ella Piazza recounted the once-in-a-lifetime experience to WHEC:
“I’ve been a fan [of Taylor Swift] since I was about five. I like her personality, and how she sings, and when I heard that she was going to the Bills game, I thought, ‘Yeah!’ Buffalo Bills plus Taylor Swift equals the best first game ever!’ Taylor smiled, she was so happy and she [waved excitedly]. [I felt] like oh my goodness, I feel like shocked and happy at the same time.”
While the retirement rumors are vague and confusing, we know one thing for sure: Jason Kelce is successful in all realms of life, whether that's dominating his career, being a loving father, or a supportive brother.
