Jason Kelce’s retirement has drawn tributes from all corners of the NFL, with the likes of JJ Watt, Tyreek Hill and Russell Wilson among the many who paid their respects to the Eagles legend.
In front of his brother Travis, his wife Kylie and his parents Ed and Donna at the Eagles team facility, Kelce ended a memorable 13-year career in Philadelphia that will surely land him in the Hall of Fame.
And after the 36-year-old made the announcement Monday afternoon, many NFL players and alumni took to social media to congratulate the six-time All Pro.
“Go ahead and put on the gold jacket right now,” the recently retired Watt said on X. “Congratulations on an incredible career, @JasonKelce.” A pleasure and an honor to share the countryside with you.’
Former Cowboys star and current Monday Night Football analyst Troy Aikman wrote: ‘Congratulations Jason Kelce on an incredible 13-year career. Much respect for the way you did it week after week, year after year. “It was an honor to see you play.”
Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday and tributes poured in from across the NFL.
And in response to a clip of Kelce’s retirement press conference, former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman wrote: ‘This is what the man is all about. He gave everything for the game. It’s time for the next chapter… congratulations.’
Russell Wilson and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, who used to play with Kelce’s brother Travis on the Chiefs, also wrote short tributes.
Kelce’s former teammates also made sure to show him some love, with Michael Vick writing: “Emotional retirement speech from the heart of the great @JasonKelce.” We didn’t play together much, he was a great player and even a better person. His shotgun blasts were incredibly fast and hard. #nastyplayer.’
Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said: March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend.’
Meanwhile, former Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy said in FS1’s ‘Talk’ that his former teammate deserved a statue outside Lincoln Financial Field.
“I’ve never seen a center as good as him since I left Philadelphia,” he said.
Fellow offensive lineman Taylor Lewan added: “Congratulations to @JasonKelce on an incredible career.” Guy has always carried himself in a way that all offensive linemen could admire. “13 years in the NFL is incredible, but 13 years on a team is unheard of.”
Michael Vick and many of Kelce’s other Eagles teammates congratulated him on his career.
And ESPN’s Field Yates praised the center’s emotional 45-minute speech, in which he discussed his early days in the sport, his relationship with his wife, Kylie, and his bond with his brother, Travis.
“Jason Kelce just gave the best retirement speech I’ve ever seen,” Yates wrote. ‘Authentic, thoughtful, grateful for so many people and places at every step of his journey. Build the statue now. What an all-time great!’
Robert Griffin III echoed a similar sentiment, saying: ‘One thing is clear from this press conference. “Jason Kelce LOVES football and we were lucky enough to see him play.”
Actor and noted Eagles fan Miles Teller also said, “They don’t make them better than No. 62.” Thanks for the memories, big guy.’
Kelce needed 45 minutes to recount his career from his childhood in Ohio before finally announcing he was retiring.
“I’ve been the underdog my entire career,” he said. “And I mean it: I still wish I was.”
An emotional Kelce struggled to get his words out, pausing regularly for long periods and his voice breaking as he tried to hold back tears.
Kelce had to pause his speech to take a deep breath as he struggled to control his emotions.
Travis Kelce burst into tears as he watched his brother speak, sitting next to his parents.
Jason, 36, pictured with his wife, Kylie, and their three young children.
Speaking about his relationship with his younger brother, Kelce said:
‘There’s no chance I’d be here without the bond Travis and I share. He made me stronger, tougher, smarter and taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty and understanding.’
Footage showed Travis crying as he watched.
He also paid a touching tribute to his wife Kylie, saying it was “no coincidence that I enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side.”
‘She has brought out the best in me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence and of course a quick kick in the butt from time to time. She has also given me three beautiful girls in a life that increasingly brings me more satisfaction off the field than on it. We’ve had a great run, Ky.
Kelce, who has reportedly already met with executives from Fox and ESPN, could launch into a broadcasting career now that he’s done playing.
