Jason Kelce Celebrates Fatherhood While Announcing NFL Retirement: ‘Greatest Gift’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL.
Following the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rumors circulated about Kelce’s potential retirement.
Movieguide® reported:
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.
In a Monday press conference, he confirmed the news.
“So this all brings us here to today, where I announce that I am retiring,” Kelce confirmed. “Where I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated.”
“It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here. I have been the underdog my entire career, and I mean this when I say it: I wish I still was,” he chuckled.
One of Kelce’s goals was to retire in the same place he was drafted.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city,” he revealed. “I couldn’t have dreamt a better one if I tried.”
He also credited his wife, Kylie, for her support throughout his career and celebrated being a father.
“Every accolade I have ever received has come with her in my life,” Kelce said. “She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence.”
“She has also given me three beautiful girls and a life that increasingly brings me more fulfillment off the field than it does on,” he added. “We’ve had a great run Ky.”
He reflected on the power of fathers, thanking his own for setting him up for success.
“I am a product of my upbringing,” Kelce said. “I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father. A father who is present, loving, devoted, just might be the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society.”
“My father believed in me more than anyone. He believed in my brother and whenever my own insecurities would arise or self doubt would come in he would stifle them with the warm embrace of belief, unwavering love, and belief … He was the man and continues to be the man and father I strive to be,” he said.
“Kelce, a Cleveland Heights native, was a walk-on linebacker for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. The offensive lineman was a sixth-round draft pick of the Eagles in 2011. During his 13 seasons with the team, he played in 193 games,” USA Today reported.
“Jason gave of himself for others, played through injuries, and never wavered through all the ups and downs of our seasons and his own personal career,” Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said.
“He is a man of many talents — he could chug beers with fans at a tailgate, he could sing in a Christmas album and raise millions for charity, or he could talk X’s and O’s all day with coaches and teammates. Then after all that, he could do things out on the football field that no other offensive linemen are capable of doing.”
“If you talk to anyone in the organization about what Jason has meant to them, they would all come up with something different,” he added. “That is a testament to who he is as a person and how much he cares about connecting with others.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Kelce’s commitment to his family:
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce discussed with PEOPLE how his family manages fame and the most important thing he wants his kids to know.
“We really try not to let it affect us, to be honest with you,” Jason told PEOPLE about the attention surrounding his family. “I think there are times where you’re out and about and whatnot, and it’s hard to just enjoy being at an event or out to dinner. But for the most part, everybody’s very nice and generous and either they are fans of the team or listening to the podcasts, or all of our family.”
“I love hearing people that appreciate whatever it is they appreciate about us,” he continued. “I don’t think we’re living any differently than we have been though. It’s just now there’s more articles and stuff, but we’re largely just doing the same thing.”
Kelce and his wife, Kylie, recently welcomed a new baby girl. The couple also share daughters Elliotte, 2, and Wyatt, 3.
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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.
