Pass the tissues, Eagles fans!
Following Jason Kelce’s deeply emotional retirement announcement on Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles shared a special tribute video recalling his 13 seasons with the NFL team.
The tribute opens with a voiceover from Jason, 36, sharing advice he got from his father, Ed Kelce, about enjoying the moment.
“Dad would always tell me, play every shot like it’s your last because you never know when it’s going to be the last,” Jason said. “You really have to enjoy every single game and every moment you have; that’s why I really appreciate being here and my teammates even more.”
The heartfelt video includes footage of Jason’s 13 years with the Eagles, from his first year in 2011 to his iconic 2018 Super Bowl victory parade speech.
One tribute moment, from an interview Jason gave as a Cleveland Heights High School prospect, features the Eagles legend saying he’s “ready to prove people wrong” during a televised segment before the 2011 draft.
Jason Kelce.
Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Jason Kelce retires from NFL after 13 seasons: Read his full, 40-minute speech
The Eagles thanked Jason for being “an amazing ambassador for the Eagles Autism Foundation” and “someone who really captures the essence” of what it means to be a “Philadelphia athlete” in their tribute.
Clips of Jason interacting with Eagles fans from various rallies and community involvement initiatives over the years can be seen in the video, which is nearly 7 minutes long.
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Jason’s 40-minute speech on Monday included a big show of respect for the Eagles organization.
Along the way, the father of three thanked coaches, teammates and “cafeteria workers” – he said there were too many to name – along with his wife Kylie, mother Donna, father Ed and brother Travis.
Jason said: “Right after it was cast, my agent Jason Bernstein said, ‘You have no idea how perfect this is. You’ll fit in great. You’ll fit in great in Philadelphia, this is your city.” Thirteen seasons in Philadelphia and I look back on a career full of ups and downs.”
He continued, “There are so many teammates, coaches, support staff, coaches, equipment, cafeteria workers, you have no idea the amount of people in this building that are needed to help our players and myself. I would like to thank everyone by name, but we would here too long for anyone to keep listening. Instead, I’ll share memories, if that’s all right with you. When I look back down the road, I’m sure there are things I’ll forget. But they’re things I’m sure I won’t.”
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Source: HIS Education