Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce told teammates he’s retiring following Monday’s wild-card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Kelce, 36, was visibly emotional toward the conclusion of Monday’s loss and declined to speak with reporters postgame. “No guys, not today,” he said, according to Schefter.
Right tackle Lane Johnson said Kelce “hinted” to teammates that it would be his final season.
“I love him. He’s one of the best to ever play the game,” Johnson said. “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.”
The six-time first-team All-Pro contemplated retirement over the past few seasons, but this time he’s expected to go through with it, Schefter adds.
“He’s special, and I love him,” head coach Nick Sirianni said, per NFL.com’s Grant Gordon. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around.”
The future Hall of Famer was a sixth-round pick who went on to play 193 regular-season games and 12 postseason contests, including anchoring the offensive line in a Super Bowl LII win over the New England Patriots.
Kelce has seen his profile rise over the past couple seasons. He has starred in several commercials and co-hosts the “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother, All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce.
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