Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce responded to rumors that he was reportedly retiring from the NFL.
On Wednesday, Jason Kelce, 36, spoke about the rumors concerning his alleged departure from the Eagles with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, on their podcast “New Heights.”
“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media,” Jason Kelce explained, later adding, “I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision.”
He also addressed a viral clip, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, by the NFL, where he was visibly overcome with emotion following the Eagles’ games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night. The Eagles lost to the Buccaneers in a 32-9 wild-card playoff.
According to ESPN, Jason Kelce declined to talk to reporters in the locker room post-game, telling them, “No guys, not today.”
“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. I’m not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out,” he shared.
An emotional Jason Kelce finds his family in the stands postgame 💚 pic.twitter.com/nIJxKDHpxA
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Jason Kelce continued:
“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.”
This came after ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X that Jason Kelce would be leaving the NFL after 13 years.
“Six-time All-Pro and future Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce told his Eagles’ teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per league sources,” Schefter wrote.
He added, “The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers. He has considered retiring after other recent seasons, but this time is said to be real and happening.”
Six-time All-Pro and future Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce told his Eagles’ teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2024
The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers. He… pic.twitter.com/GofAAlFtUd
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson told reporters that Jason Kelce had “hinted” to his teammates that he would be leaving after this season. According to sources, he had considered hanging up his uniform in past seasons, per ESPN.
Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce made history as the first brothers to play against one another in the 2023 Super Bowl, according to The New York Times.