Jason Kelce has officially retired from the NFL.
The Philadelphia Eagles center — selected by the team in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft — announced his retirement during an emotional press conference on March 4.
“All of this brings us here to today, where I’m announcing my retirement,” Kelce said through tears nearly 40 minutes into the speech. “In announcing my retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, massively overrated.”
Kelce is considered one of the greatest centers in NFL history. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was named a first-team All-Pro six times and won one Super Bowl title during his 13-season football career.
In the last five of those seasons, Kelce was also a dad. The athlete is the father of three daughters – Wyatt, 4, Elliotte, 23 months, and Bennett, 12 months – with whom he shares wife Kylie.
Jason Kelce announces his retirement after 13 seasons in the NFL while fighting back tears
“She also gave me three beautiful girls and a life that brings me more fulfillment off the court than on the court,” Kelce said of his wife during a press conference. “I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father.”
Now that Kelce has officially retired from the NFL, fans have begun to speculate about what the future of the athlete might look like. While Kelce didn’t talk specifically about his plans during the press conference, he did open up a few possibilities beforehand.
Here’s everything we know about Kelce’s post-retirement future.
Will Jason Kelce still be involved with the Philadelphia Eagles after retiring from the NFL?
Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during a game in October 2022.
AP
Even though Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s leaving the Philadelphia Eagles for good! The retired center previously talked about the potential to remain involved with the organization despite not physically playing for the team.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with me, but I know I still want to be involved with the organization and I still want to be a part of it, regardless of the decision,” Kelce said. Philadelphia Inquirer in January.
“Because I don’t want to feel like I’m out there looking at these accomplishments and these accolades and these opportunities that pretty much represent entire cities and fan bases and organizations,” he continued. “It’s too good a feeling to pass up.”
Will Jason Kelce Coach After NFL Retirement?
Jason Kelce prepares to snap the ball during a game between the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles in November 2017.
Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty
In February 2024, Kelce opened on Great podcast with Shaq about the possibility of coaching football after he retires from the NFL. As he thought about it, he was specific about the level at which he would continue his career.
“If it was the number one school in Philadelphia, I might take it,” Kelce said on the podcast. “My in-laws help, I’m Philly right now … we’d be lost without their help with our girlfriends and everything,” he explained, referring to his three daughters.
“Cleveland Heights would be something though. The NFL, it’s a big commitment,” Kelce continued. “College, no. I’m not interested. It’s too much, you have to recruit, you have to train, you’ll never be with your family.”
Kelce said the “best two levels” of coaching football are high school and the NFL — with high school, he said, “you can develop kids and really mold them and help them grow into men and really offer that leadership.”
As for the NFL, Kelce said, “you can compete at the highest level.” While it’s “still a time commitment,” he said it “kind of makes sense financially.”
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Will Jason Kelce spend more time with his family after retiring from the NFL?
Jason Kelce, his wife Kylie and their three daughters at training camp.
Kylie Kelce/Instagram
In the last five seasons of his career, Kelce balanced the life of a professional athlete and the father of three children. “I’m a product of my upbringing,” the NFL star said during his post-retirement press conference.
“I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father,” he continued. “A father who is present, full of love and devoted just might be the greatest gift a child can ask for in our society.”
After retirement, he won’t have a busy NFL schedule. In addition, he can now focus his energy on playing with his children.
Kelce’s wife, Kylie, previously told PEOPLE, “I always tell people that no matter what happens with football, how it ends, I’d like him to retire when he can still get down on the floor and be comfortable playing with our kids. ”
In the scene from Kelce — a feature-length Prime Video documentary that follows Jason through the 2022-2023 season. — Kylie showed that the NFL star’s injuries on the field also affect his life at home.
“I don’t think people realize that the beatings you get affect the way you interact with your family,” she said in the confessional. “He told me for years that he was going to retire, and now we are expecting our third daughter,” she added.
Donna Kelce Thinks Jason and Travis Will Still Be ‘Involved in Football’ After Retirement (Exclusive)
What did Donna Kelce say about Jason Kelce’s retirement plans?
Donna Kelce and Jason Kelce at the world premiere of the movie “Kelce” in September 2023.
Lisa Lake/Getty
Donna, mother of Jason and Travis Kelce, previously spoke with PEOPLE about what life might look like for her football-playing sons in retirement. She said she “can’t believe it [Jason and Travis] they wouldn’t be involved in football in some way in the future because they love it so much.”
Donna highlighted their personalities. “I know them,” the proud mom explained of her “very determined” and “very focused” sons.
“Anything they want to do, I truly believe they could do. I’ve seen it time and time again,” Donna continued. “They’re just very tenacious, very, ‘I’ll go all the way.’ They just never give up. They just keep going.”
And while Donna said she had a “feeling that sports would be there somewhere if it could,” she noted that it’s “fun to see” that Jason is a parent too! “It’s so encouraging to see what he’s like as a father and a husband,” she said of her son.
It’s “so encouraging — unless they’re going to play,” she joked, referring to Jason’s celebratory shirtless moment that went viral when he took it off during the Chiefs’ game against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 21. “But it’s funny,” she added. “He’s a crazy good boy” and an “absolutely” fun dad!
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education