On April 30th, 2011 in the sixth round of the NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles took a shot on an undersized center out of the University of Cincinnati, Jason Kelce. Jason had shown off his athleticism at the NFL combine just a month earlier which gave Andy Ried and the Eagles enough confidence to choose him. Kelce got drafted and went straight to work, winning the starting job at center that off season. Since then Kelce has been a cornerstone of the team, only missing 4 games total in his 13 year NFL career. His presence at center has done wonders for Philly. Jason has always done a great job elevating the Philadelphia offense. Sadly, on March 4th, 2024 Kelce announced his retirement in a tear jerking press conference. Now, in celebration of such a great career that includes 6-all pro selections and 7 pro bowl nominations, we are going to look back at some of the greatest moments of his career.
Jason Kelce has been the best center in the league for years, however with Jason it always seemed like his most shining moments came from off of the field. Rather it was playing saxophone with the Philadelphia Orchestra or throwing on a batman mask on the sideline for Halloween, Jason always seemed to find a way to put his name into the spotlight. For example, in maybe the biggest moment of his career, during the Superbowl parade after Philadelphia won Superbowl 52, Jason dressed up in full Mummers gear and gave a great speech in front of the whole Philadelphia fan base. Jason’s vibrant personality has been on full display for the last 2 years due to his electric podcast that he shares with his brother, Travis Kelce. The two get together and release a podcast once a week during the season, and it seems like the brothers get funnier every week. This podcast has thrusted Jason even farther into fame especially since Travis has become a pop star of his own. The two seemed to have perfect seasons in 2022 when both of their teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs both made the Superbowl. Sadly for Jason the Chiefs won that game, but it was clear that Jason still has a fiery competitiveness still burning inside of him.
Jason Kelce has always been a fun and loving personality that everyone, even some Dallas fans, loves. He has been a pillar for the Philadelphia community including doing incredible work for the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation, the foundation does a great job of being a beacon for inclusion, “On the field we’re united by one objective; victory. Off the field, we are drawn together by an even larger goal: taking action for autism,” this is stated on the front page of the Foundation. Jason and his wife Kylie have both been huge contributors to the program, helping endorse it whenever possible.
Over his career Jason Kelce has been someone to look up to for young kids, and inspiring players due to his great play and even greater personality. Jason’s retirement will not only affect Eagles fans but the hearts of many as for the first time in 13 years the game will be without one of its premier centers and great personalities.
