Jason Kelce 'told Eagles' teammates he's retiring from NFL in locker room' after emotional wildcard loss

Jason Kelce 'told Eagles' teammates he's retiring from NFL in locker room' after emotional wildcard loss

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 16/01/2024

- 15:52

Jason Kelce cut an emotional figure on the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jason Kelce reportedly told his Philadelphia Eagles' teamates on Monday night that he was planning on retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons in the league.

The six-time All-Pro has toyed with retirement in the past but the Eagles' wildcard play-off loss on Monday night was seemingly his last game in the sport.


Kelce was in tears at the end of the game, with the Eagles losing 32-9 to the Buccaneers.

His emotions on the sidelines led to speculation on social media as to whether the 36-year-old was planning to retire.

Jason Kelce has told teammates he's retiring

Jason Kelce has told teammates he's retiring

GETTY

And ESPN claim Kelce has called time on his illustrious career, informing his teammates of his decision in the locker room immediately after the defeat.

Kelce has spent his entire career with the Eagles after being selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

He proved pivotal for the Eagles on their run to their first Super Bowl title in 2018, where they famously defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 41-33.

Kelce refused to confirm the news himself after the game and declined to talk to reporters.

He said: "No guys, not today."

But tributes began to flood in from his teammates with Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni lavishing praise on the future Hall of Famer.

"He's special, and I love him," Sirianni said.

"He's one of the most special guys I've been around."

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said: "I love him. He's one of the best to ever play the game.

Jason Kelce was emotional as he left the field

Jason Kelce was emotional as he left the field

GETTY

"The things he can do on the football field athletically -- I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."

Jalen Hurts added: "He's a legend in the city -- really in the league.

"I don't want to do a disservice to him and the things he's been able to do and overcome.

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Jason Kelce refused to confirm it after the game

Jason Kelce refused to confirm it after the game

GETTY

"His journey to where he is now didn't come easy. It's been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I've been here, it's been, 'Are you going to come back?'

"But he knows how much I love and appreciate him.

"He knows how much I've learned from him. He'll forever have a special place in my heart."

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