The former Philadelphia Eagles center is embarking on a new chapter after an illustrious career in the NFL and reflects on the challenges that come with retirement.
- Jun 6, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center, has been open about the difficulties of adjusting to life after announcing his retirement on March 4. Now officially listed on the team's 'reserve/retired list', Jason shared his feelings on a new episode of his podcast, "New Heights", with his brother and Kansas City Chiefs star, Travis Kelce.
"It feels weird, not, you know, going into the building and man, it's just the little conversations you have," Jason remarked about his first offseason out of the NFL. He expressed how strange it feels not to prepare for a new season with his teammates and the camaraderie he misses, adding, "You'll realize it, Trav, once it's gone."
Travis, 34, humorously responded, "I'm never doing it. Not after that speech. F**k that." Jason reminisced about the strategic discussions he used to have, whether it was "about improving a play" or "talking about ways for everyone to get better." He candidly admitted, "It's just weird not having that anymore. I'll be honest with you. It's very weird."
Reflecting on his retirement process, Jason shared an anecdote about having to email the league to formalize his retirement, even after a tearful 45-minute announcement. "I was like, is the whole video of me crying for 45 minutes not enough?" he joked. Despite the official status, Jason noted that it doesn't "feel an ounce bit different."
At a press conference, Eagles coach Jeff Stoutland praised Jason's career, saying, "I was very happy for him, but also very sad because I feel like I lost a very close friend and partner in this whole process. That guy, holy smokes. You talk about not leaving anything on the table. He gave everything he had mentally, physically. I don't know what else you can want in a player."
