The Philadelphia Eagles lost more than just the game on Monday night. They also lost the heart and soul of the locker room.
Following the embarrassing 32-9 playoff defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it is reported that center Jason Kelce is choosing to hang up the cleats and call it a career.
For over a decade, Kelce has been a constant in the middle of the Eagles’ offensive line, and with him deciding to retire it signals a changing of the guard and a leadership shift in that locker room. We do a closer look at the Eagles’ legend and his historic run that has now come to an end.
Jason Kelce’s Hall of Fame Career
Kelce spent 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Eagles. During that time, he started all 193 games he played in, beginning with his immediate insertion into the starting lineup in his rookie year for all 16 games that season. He played 11,781 regular-season snaps during his career, which accounted for 96% of all of the Eagles’ offensive plays.
Kelce is a six-time first-team AP All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler, including this season. He has one Super Bowl title during his career which came during the famous “Philly Special” year when Nick Foles and the Eagles knocked off the New England Patriots to secure the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl title.
NFL World Reacts to Kelce’s Retirement
Kelce had a reputation for being one of the toughest players in the league and was also one of the most well-liked and respected. When word got around that he was planning to call it quits following Monday night’s Wild Card loss, the NFL world collectively reacted and sent off the legend properly.
And there it is. Kelce is retiring.
One of the few HOF OL who didn’t immediately dominate in the league. Just kept working and grinding away to 6 first team All Pro awards in his last 7 seasons. Crazy good. https://t.co/VYdZn5Yb8h— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 16, 2024
Former NFL offensive lineman and current NFL analyst Geoff Schwartz shows his respect for Kelce, who did it the right way.
Congrats on retirement! @JasonKelce
One of the best men I’ve ever been around! You are going to crush this next phase of life!
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 16, 2024
Former NFL wide receiver and Kelce’s teammate, Torrey Smith, sent his congratulations as well as a message of optimism as he turns the page to a new chapter in his life.
When Was Kelce Drafted in the NFL?
Kelce was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. From a late-round draft pick out of the University of Cincinnati to starting every game he ever played in the NFL.
Kelce’s journey is a rare one. And in a league that routinely sees late-round draft picks come and go without making much of an impact, Kelce was able to make his presence felt from Day 1.
MORE: Which Prospects Could Replace Jason Kelce in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Coming into the league Kelce was viewed as undersized, and the perception of that limitation played a part in him falling down draft boards. Nevertheless, he found a way to make his presence felt early and became the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 games at center.
Kelce’s Salary and Career Earnings
Kelce came into the 2023 season with a base salary of $1,165,000 in 2023, with a signing bonus of $10,130,000. Throughout his career, Kelce has earned over $80 million on the field and has been able to venture out and secure investments and valuable endorsements off the field as well.
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