The Philadelphia Eagles lost their playoff game Monday night, and then they appeared to lose their Hall of Fame center for good too.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jason Kelce told his teammates following the defeat to the Buccaneers in their wild card game in Tampa Bay he’s retiring.
Kelce has not yet confirmed the news publicly — he declined to speak with reporters after the loss — though his emotions on the sidelines as the clock ticked down to zero seemed to say everything for him.
Jason Kelce still holding back tears as he made his way to the locker room, greeted by GM Howie Roseman.pic.twitter.com/8JJmlf2F5Q https://t.co/Iy3bAmLS1o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 16, 2024
@MySportsUpdate
Cameras caught the 36-year-old on the verge of tears as the Birds were officially bounced from the postseason … and moments later, he was seen emotionally walking back through a stadium tunnel as well.
If it is the end, Kelce’s career will officially go down as one of the best ever by a center. He played for 13 seasons and was named a Pro Bowler seven times. He also earned All-Pro honors five times … and won one Super Bowl championship.
He also developed a persona that transcended football … becoming a fan favorite off the field — while recording a podcast, “New Heights,” with his brother, Travis Kelce, that has quickly risen to the top of the charts.
Jason, of course, still has time to reverse his mind. You’ll recall, he was seemingly done following the Super Bowl loss last year — and he ultimately came back.
Stay tuned.