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Jason Kelce reportedly told his Philadelphia Eagles teammates in the locker room on Monday night that he’s retiring following the team’s loss in the wildcard playoff game.
Jason Kelce is reportedly stepping away from playing football.
The NFL and ESPN both cited sources who say the Philadelphia Eagles center, 36, played his final game on Monday night.
Sources told ESPN that Kelce announced to his teammates in the locker room after they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-9, in a wildcard playoff game that he intends to retire.
While Kelce declined interviews with media in the locker room — “No guys, not today,” he said — Eagles head coach Nick Sirriani didn’t shy away from talking about his affection for the player, who spent all 13 seasons of his career in Philadelphia.
“I love him,” Nick Sirianni said, per ESPN. “He’s special and I love him. He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here.”
As he stood on the sidelines during Monday night’s game, Kelce was visibly emotional as he watched the Eagles for the last time as a member of the team.
Called “perhaps the NFL’s best center” by the league itself, Kelce had a remarkable 13-year career with achievements including the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl win, five All-Pro appearances and seven Pro Bowl appearances.
He most recently made a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, as the Eagles squared up against the Kansas City Chiefs and Kelce made history as he played against his brother, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters after Monday’s game that Kelce is “a legend in the city — really in the league,” and will “forever have a special place in my heart,” ESPN reported.
“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?’ ” Hurts said.
Fellow offensive lineman Lane Johnson reiterated a similar notion to reporters. “I love him. He’s one of the best to ever play the game,” the right tackle said, per the outlet. “The things he can do on the football field athletically — I don’t think we’ll see another one like him for a long time.”