Jason Kelce to retire after 13 seasons
Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce told teammates Monday night, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the Eagles in the Wild Card round of the 2023 postseason, that he will be retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report Tuesday.
Kelce contemplated retirement after last season, but elected to return, signing a one-year, $14.3 million deal. Thus, the 36-year-old, regarded as one of the best centers in the sport, was set to become a free agent in March.
“He’s a legend in the city–really in the league,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said after Monday’s 33-9 loss. “I don’t want to do a disservice to him and the things he’s been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn’t come easy. It’s been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I’ve been here, it’s been, ‘Are you going to come back?’
“But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I’ve learned from him. He’ll forever have a special place in my heart.”
Kelce is a six-time All-Pro, with all of those honors coming within the last seven seasons. He’s also a seven-time pro bowler and anchored the offensive line that helped Philadelphia win a Super Bowl in 2017.
According to Schefter, he is the fifth center in NFL History with at least six All-Pro selections, joining Jim Ringo, Dermontti Dawson, Bulldog Turner and Jim Otto. Each of those aforementioned players made the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and it’s hard to believe that Kelce won’t either.
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This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.
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