Jason Kelce was selected to the First Team All-Pro this season.

Jason Kelce (via Imago)

The Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro center Jason Kelce reportedly announced his retirement to his teammates after their blowout loss in the Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The news was reported by multiple analysts after the game. Kelce has been contemplating retirement for the past couple of seasons. He came back last season to win another Super Bowl and was very close to accomplishing that goal.

The Eagles lost the Super Bowl last season in a close 35-38 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The future Hall of Famer decided to play one more season as the Eagles were expected to make another deep playoff run this year. However, after a disappointing loss in the Wild Card round, Kelce reportedly told his teammates in the locker room that he would retire.

Although Kelce did not deny his announcement, he did clarify that what he said in the locker room wasn’t “on purpose.” He claimed that his emotions took over when he said that.

Kelce said on his podcast, New Heights:

I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. There’s too much emotion in the moment, there’s too much going down in the moment, to really fully grasp that decision. I’m not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out, I’m really not.

Jason Kelce on New Heights

Kelce also said that when he decides to announce his official retirement, he will do so by paying the necessary respect to all the people involved in his career. The seven-time Pro-Bowler won the Super Bowl back in 2017 and is regarded as one of the greatest centers of all time.

Nick Sirianni talked about Jason Kelce amid the news of his retirement

The Philadelphia Eagles’ season came to an abrupt and ugly end on Monday after they were blown away by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card game. After the game, Eagles’ superstar center, Jason Kelce reportedly told his teammates that he would retire and wouldn’t return for next season.
Nick Sirianni (L) and Jason Kelce (R) (L/R – via Imago)
Eagles’ HC Nick Sirianni was asked about Kelce’s decision to retire and the head coach said, “We’re not there at that position yet to talk about that.” However, he did give his respect to Kelce and said:

He’s special and I love him. He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. We’ll see what happens as time progresses.

Nick Sirianni on Jason Kelce

The Eagles went all the way to the Super Bowl last year and were expected to do the same this year. However, after a 10-1 start to the season, the Philadelphia-based team faltered and ended up losing six of their last seven games.