Will Jason Kelce retire from the NFL: Everything to know
Has a decision been made?
By Ryan Heckman
Last weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles saw their postseason come to an end in the exact same fashion their regular slate closed.
It was disappointing, to say the least. For one particular veteran, this looked like it could have been his last game played in the NFL.
After the game ended, all signs pointed to center Jason Kelce calling it a career. He was in tears as he left the field and headed for the locker room. An obviously-emotional Kelce seemed as though he would, indeed, call it quits.
By all accounts, too, most insiders and sources believed it to be true. There were even reports that he had already told his teammates he was planning to retire.
#Eagles C Jason Kelce informed teammates after last night’s loss he will retire, as @AdamSchefter said. Kelce’s emotional final few moments on the field, in which he hugged longtime OL coach Jeff Stoutland, wrapped up a 13-year, seven-time Pro Bowl, six-time All-Pro career. https://t.co/7k5Pz5eXS9
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 16, 2024
Is Jason Kelce going to retire?
Philadelphia media outlets, and even national media outlets, have already begun the celebration of Kelce's long, impressive career. But, have they all been a bit too hasty with the reporting?
A day after the reports surfaced of him telling his teammates, Kelce gave us an update on his potential retirement via his podcast, New Heights.
"There's too much emotion in the moment to really fully grasp that decision."
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 17, 2024
Jason Kelce said he hasn't officially made the decision to retire 👀
(via @newheightshow)
pic.twitter.com/1NQMouSSJL
Kelce told the world that his intentions were not to announce an official retirement, just yet, at least.
"I didn't announce what I was doing on purpose, despite what's been leaked to the media. I don't think you're in a position, after a game like that, to make that decision. There's too much emotion in the moment.
"When it's time to officially announce what's happening in the future, it will 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 has led to the career I've had," he said.
The entire segment seemed very genuine and from the heart. Kelce is a man of the people. He's beloved by Philadelphia and respects his team, city and fans too much to make a rash decision and to take away from the team's recent loss. Giving his teammates and coaches time to digest the season's end was absolutely the right move.
So, will he retire? I think so. But, that news will have to wait just a little longer.
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