In a heartfelt reflection on the “New Heights” podcast, Jason Kelce, fresh off his emotional retirement press conference reflected on his legendary career.
Arguably the greatest center in NFL history, Kelce is walking away from football at the top of his game. He could have easily continued to play, but he decided it was time to hang up the cleats.
The greatest to ever do it 🐐
Congratulations on an incredible NFL career, Jason Kelce. pic.twitter.com/HNRn5etpna
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
It was quite a scene at the press conference in Philly on Monday.
With his family in attendance, Kelce broke down in tears numerous times as he walked us through his career as only he could.
The full 40-minute Jason Kelce retirement press conference pic.twitter.com/0avPbM5ksY
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) March 5, 2024
Speaking on the aforementioned New Heights podcast, Kelce did admit he has one big regret about how everything went down.
“The one thing I’m disappointed about retiring right now is I’m retiring when the Eagles had potentially the biggest collapse in the history of the organization. Not potentially, probably the most,” Kelce told brother Travis on the podcast.
Jason Kelce reveals his one regret after retiring from the NFL at 36 with the Philadelphia Eagles this week – as he opens up to brother Travis about his decision on New Heights https://t.co/EdQP3oi0nc
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 6, 2024
Indeed, the 2023 Eagles season was a total nightmare.
Despite entering the season as reigning NFC champions and racing out to a 10-1 start, it was clear as day that something was broken with the Eagles.
They simply were not the same team … Not even close.
¡PICK 6!
Jalen Hurts sucks!!!#NYGiants 18-20 #Eagles pic.twitter.com/JcAdKzmGWx
— 𝓟𝓐𝓣 🗽 (NYK Szn) (@ATBanks25) December 26, 2023
Sure enough, the season with down in flames and ended in horrific fashion as they were blown out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs.
Even worse, their effort was questioned across the board as it seemed like the clearest and most obvious example of a team simply giving up.
The Bucs just beat the shit out of the Eagles. Wow pic.twitter.com/dyna40v45z
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) January 16, 2024
Having that be the final game of your career is not exactly how you want to go out. In other words, Kelce didn’t exactly take the Michael Strahan route.
Very few do however.
For what it’s worth, Kelce believes the future is still bright for the Eagles and that they will bounce back in a massive way next season.
“There’s still a tremendous amount of talent there,” he said. “They’ve hired two really good coaches that are going to be able to offer a new perspective and look at things with a fresh lens.”
What an awesome moment, shoutout to the @Eagles staff 💚👏pic.twitter.com/fD1USNslns
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 6, 2024
Kelce believes general manager Howie Roseman will do what it takes to get Philly back on track.
“There’s plenty of cap space,” he said. “I know Howie is going to make some moves to improve the things that need to get fixed.”
“I just really think there is going to be one hell of a bounce back from the Philadelphia Eagles next year … I’ll have to enjoy it in a different way.”
Jason broke down his retirement speech on today’s show … including THAT reference 😂😭 @Experian_US pic.twitter.com/nHu3Pf450f
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 6, 2024
Kelce made it clear that he won’t be a stranger. Even though he’s now retired, he plans to help the Eagles any way he can.
“I’ll be part of it in some way. I’m still going down to the facilities and I’m still going to help out any way I can, but I’m also going to be doing other things and I’m not going to be on the field doing it with those guys,” he said.
“But I can damn sure at least appreciate it from afar. That is one thing I’m really upset about the timing of, but it is what it is. I’ll have to enjoy it in a different way,” he concluded.
Now that Jason is officially retired, Travis reflected on what his big brother's career has meant to him 💚❤️
New episode premieres NOW: https://t.co/zbiBehShAf pic.twitter.com/meLG6qpb6a
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 6, 2024
What are your thoughts on Kelce’s decision to retire?
Perhaps it was always the plan, but are you surprised he’s hanging it up after such a bitterly disappointing season?
Is he the greatest center in NFL history???