Jason Kelce will take a minute to digest the crushing conclusion of the Eagles’ season before making a definitive decision about his future.
When discussing the aftermath of the Eagles’ wild-card loss to the Buccaneers, Philadelphia’s longtime center revealed Wednesday on his “New Heights” podcast what he told teammates as retirement speculation continues to build.
“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media,” Jason said to his brother and podcast co-host, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, amid reports he told teammates Monday he intends to retire.
“… I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision, I just don’t, there’s too much emotion in the moment, there’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”
Jason, who has spent his entire 13-year career in Philadelphia, noted he’s “not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out,” but has envisioned what a possible announcement would entail, should he choose to hang up his cleats for good.
“When it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I’ve had, and I don’t think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that,” the 36-year-old Super Bowl champion said.
“Frustated, I guess, at everything that’s happening, but in the future there will be something said, I guess, but I did address the team and pretty much said the same thing I just said to you, which is I got belief in every single one of you guys, cherish the moments you have in this league, I think it’s kind of the way it went down.”
Jason was seen looking visibly upset on the Eagles’ sideline Monday night in Tampa as the final seconds ticked away in Philadelphia’s disappointing 32-9 loss.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was seen hugging his longtime offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland, before greeting his family, including wife Kylie, in the stands at Raymond James Stadium.
Jason, who took a moment on Wednesday’s episode to steady himself, added how much he “truly appreciated everybody in” the Eagles’ locker room.
“I think there was a lot of emotion in the room, for sure,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds for anybody in that building right now, we’re about to get into, I guess, what happens down the stretch but we have exit interviews tomorrow.”
Travis, whose Chiefs advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs following a win over the Dolphins Saturday, responded: “We’ll all be on the edge of our f–king seat waiting on what decision you end up making, big guy, I promise you that.”