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An emotional Jason Kelce announces his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons

FILE - Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. Eagles center Jason Kelce has told teammates he intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons, according to three people informed of the decision. They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, out of respect for Kelce's decision, which has not yet been made public. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston, File) (Bryan Woolston, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Philadelphia Eagles star center Jason Kelce, announced his retirement Monday, closing the book on a career that took him to two Super Bowls, winning one.

“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football,” Kelce said during a new conference, holding back tears.

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Kelce’s brother, Travis, sat in the audience crying. Travis always said he looked up to Jason and Jason was the reason he plays football. Many had speculated whether or not the 36-year-old would retire this year.

He had contemplated retirement several times over the past several years. When the team lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a wild card game, Kelce hinted that his playing days were over.

Jason and Travis Kelce have been successful at hosting a podcast called, New Heights, that gives listeners and fans a chance to experience the brothers’ chemistry, and their love for the NFL.

Jason Kelce has become an icon in Philadelphia after the 2018 Super Bowl win. He is now even more famous after the Eagles-Chiefs “Kelce Bowl” last year and his brother’s more recent relationship with singer, Taylor Swift.


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Marilyn is a Manager of Content and Coverage who supervises News4JAX.com, News4JAX+, along with other News4JAX platforms and channels.

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