Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Philadelphia Eagles' stalwart, Jason Kelce, and explore the persistent retirement speculations that have surrounded him for several years.
A Stellar Career in the NFL
Jason Kelce has long been a stalwart for the Philadelphia Eagles. He embarked on his professional career in the NFL in 2011, making immediate history within the team. The talented player gained prominence as the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 regular season games at center. But the player's remarkable feats did not end there.
In 2018, he played a key role in securing the Eagles' first-ever Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots. Kelce once again made it to the NFL championship in 2023, marking another high point in his career. Despite a strong performance, the Eagles were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Retirement Speculations
Post the 2023 Super Bowl, the rumor mill was abuzz with speculation about Jason's imminent retirement. Despite the swirling rumors, he chose to continue his NFL journey. The 2023 Prime Video documentary “Kelce” gave fans a glimpse into his retirement thoughts that had been simmering for years. His wife, Kylie Kelce, disclosed in the film that retirement had indeed been on Jason's mind for some time.
Setting New Records
Jason Kelce continued to break records in October 2023, marking his 145th regular season game and setting a team record for the most consecutive starts.
A Timeline of Retirement Talks
- May 2020: Dismissed retirement rumors, acknowledging that he had experienced an “easier season” physically.
- March 2022: Light-heartedly announced his retirement from radio hosting while confirming his commitment to continue playing for the Eagles.
- September 2022: Admitted that his body was “starting to fall apart” during his 12th year of play, and revealed undergoing elbow surgery.
- February 2023: Remained vague about retirement after the Super Bowl loss.
- March 2023: Declared intentions to continue playing.
- September 2023: In the “Kelce” documentary, he expressed his struggle to continue playing and concerns about long-term health effects.
Life Beyond NFL
In October 2023, Jason Kelce pondered his future beyond the football field, discussing opportunities to build a family empire outside of the NFL.
January 2024 Update
As recent as January 2024, before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he expressed discomfort with the idea of retirement, showing dedication to his sport and the Eagles.