Jason Kelce, a star player for the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the most celebrated NFL centers of all time, told teammates he would be retiring after Monday night’s playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, multiple sources reported Tuesday morning, drawing his professional sports career to a close at the height of his off-field fame.
Jason Kelce, 62, of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of ... [+]
Kelce, a Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowl selection, reportedly told his teammates in the locker room after Monday night's blow-out loss to the Bucs that the 2023-24 season would be his last, according to the NFL.
The news comes hours after Kelce was seen crying on the sidelines and while walking back to the locker room following the loss, an emotional display from the 36-year-old player, whose retirement has reportedly been considered after other recent seasons.
As reporters approached the center after Monday’s game, he reportedly waved them away with a dismissive, "No guys, not today."
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Kelce's retirement comes as he and his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have been thrust into the spotlight and seen their fame rise outside of the sport. A documentary on Jason’s 2022 season called “Kelce” on Amazon Prime thrust his wife and young family into the spotlight; the brothers’ “New Heights” podcast skyrocketed in popularity after Travis used it to get the attention of his now-girlfriend Taylor Swift; and the center has enjoyed a number of high-visibility advertising campaigns this season, including for Tide and Campbell's soup.