Is Eagles Center Jason Kelce Leaving the NFL?
By Movieguide® Contributor
Is Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce retiring from the NFL?
Speculation over the athlete’s possible exit from the league has swirled over the last few days following the Eagles’ 32-9 playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
CNN reported, “Kelce has told his teammates he is retiring from the NFL, according to multiple reports.”
However, Kelce cleared up the controversy during a recent “New Heights” podcast episode with his brother, Travis.
“I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really, you know, make that decision. I just don’t,” he began. “There’s too much emotion in the moment. There’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision. I’m not trying to be dramatic to continue to draw this thing out. I’m really not.”
He never confirmed or denied his retirement, but he did clarify what he said in the locker room after the Eagles were bumped from the playoffs by the Buccaneers.
“I did address the team and pretty much said, ‘I [believe] in every single one of you guys,'” Kelce remembered. “‘Cherish your moments in this league.'”
Kelce also touched on a moment between him and coach Jeff Stoutland that added to retirement rumors.
“After the game, cameras spotted Jason and Stoutland embracing and talking briefly on the sidelines,” Newsweek reported.
“I realized that it, you know, could be potentially one of the last times I get to do that with him. I just really want to make sure he knows how much I appreciate him,” Kelce explained. “Didn’t want to get emotional, but what can you do.”
Kelce is unsure of his decision, but he knows that “when it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it will be done in a way that will be definitive. With respect to individuals who have meant a lot for me and what has led to the career I’ve had.”
Although he hasn’t left the NFL yet, a reason for his possible retirement could be to spend more time with his family.
Kelce and wife, Kylie McDevitt, share three daughters: Wyatt Elizabeth, 4, Elliotte Ray, 2, and Bennett Llewellyn, 10 months.
He’s called being a girl dad the “biggest highlight” of his life.
“Before I had children, I told myself if I ever have a daughter, I’m just going to treat them exactly the same as a son. I don’t think that you should treat kids necessarily different,” Kelce said. “And then when I had a daughter, I was like, ‘I’m not going to spoil her, I’m going to raise her tough. She’s going to be hard.’ And the moment she came out, I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s not going to work.'”
At the beginning of this year, the football star revealed that he wants to be on his phone less so he can be more present with his daughters and wife.
“I would have no apps and I would throw my phone into a volcano of magma because I hate how much I’m on my phone. I hate everything to do with my phone. I’m addicted to it, I can’t stand it,” Kelce said on a “New Heights” episode.
“I hate when my kid tells me to put down my phone because it lets me know how bad of a parent I’m being. ‘Daddy, put down your phone,’ do you know how much that cuts into your soul?” he added.
Moveiguide® previously reported on Kelce’s wish for his kids:
As the football season kicks off, Kelce and Kylie have one goal: they want their kids to know how loved they are and that they are first priority.
“That’s the only thing I really care about. We’re very fortunate to be playing in the NFL and living the life that we are as a family. And I don’t know what my kids are going to take away from that,” Kelce expressed. “But the number one thing, the basic thing that I think they take away from it is that we love them and they are the most important thing in the world to us, regardless of football.”
Kylie added, “I’m excited to hear when they’re older what they remember. I think Wyatt will probably remember a decent amount. There are some really cool things that we get to do as a family that I’m hoping they’ll have at least vague memories of because they’re so unique. The fact that we’re able to do them all together is really important, and they also just absolutely love getting to cheer dad on.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
