By Mark Gray
5:00pm PST, Mar 7, 2024
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It's the end of an era for Jason Kelce.
The Philadelphia Eagles star — a seven-time Pro Bowl player and six-time first-team All-Pro selection who's widely regarded as one of the best centers of all time — announced that he's retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons during a devastatingly emotional press conference at Eagles headquarters on March 4 as parents Ed Kelce and Donna Kelce, wife Kylie Kelce and brother Travis Kelce — a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs — watched alongside coaches, staff and other significant people from his past.
In a nearly 45-minute speech, the 36-year-old father of three opened up about being an underdog during most of his sports career and shared loving stories about his family's support and the coaches who believed in him — often pausing amid tears. He also thanked the people of Philadelphia, noting, "It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city. I couldn't have dreamt a better one if I tried."
In the wake of Jason's bittersweet news, famous fans, fellow players and more took to social media to honor the future Hall of Famer and his incredible career.
Keep reading to see how they're reacting…
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"Congratulations on a legendary career, @JasonKelce" —first lady Jill Biden, on X
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"Today is a bittersweet day, because while it is hard to imagine the Eagles taking the field without Jason Kelce in uniform, we are also excited to celebrate his career and support him as his journey continues. Although Jason is retiring from the NFL, I have no doubt that he will continue to be successful in everything he does, and his impact on our organization and this city will reverberate for many years to come." —Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie
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"They don't make 'em any better than #62. Thanks for the memories, big guy" —Miles Teller
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"Congratulations Jason Kelce on an incredible 13-year career. Much respect for the way you did it week after week, year after year. It was an honor to watch you play" —Troy Aikman
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"Kelce, I honestly don't think you understand the impact you had on your teammates for the past 13 years. I wouldn't be the player I am without you and we would not have had the success without you; and that's not even talking about your on-field talent. Thank you for everything" —Zach Ertz
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"Congrats on an unbelievable HOF Career @JasonKelce!" —Russell Wilson
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"Respect Jason" —Tyreek Hill
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"Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now. Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you." —JJ Watt
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"This is what it's all about, man. Gave everything to the game. Time for the next chapter… congrats @JasonKelce" —Julian Edelman
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"Now he gets to live a whole new chapter — lucky him! Wishing you well, @JasonKelce" —Maria Shriver
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"Congrats to my guy @JasonKelce amazing career!!! #EaglesGoat" —Darius Slay
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"Thank you @JasonKelce for spending all of your legendary 13-season career with us here in Philly. Looking forward to seeing all the good you'll continue to do for Philly and Pennsylvania in your next chapter — but we'll miss you on the field. #FlyEaglesFly" —Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
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"You've earned the right to decide, brother. Job well done @JasonKelce. Welcome to the other side. Can't wait to see your speech in Canton." —Ryan Clark
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"I don't know if there's been a better athlete to be paired with a city" —Dan Orlovsky via ESPN
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"What a LEGENDARY career" —Pat McAfee
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"One thing is clear from this press conference. Jason Kelce LOVES football and we were blessed to watch him play it." —Robert Griffin III
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"The most emotional moment of Jason Kelce's retirement speech was talking about his brother, @tkelce. 'I won't forget falling short to the Chiefs and the conflicted feelings of immense heartbreak… and the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountaintop once again.'" —Emmanuel Acho
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"Job well done, my brother!!! A true Philly Icon forever!! Thanks for the ride @JasonKelce!! Enjoy a well deserved retirement – you've set a standard for being an Eagle!! @Eagles" —Former Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright
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"Listening to Jason Kelce's retirement speech reminds me why I love the game of football so much! Raw emotion and appreciation! Congrats on a great career!" —Jason McCourty
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"Phenom career" —Cam Jordan
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"Emotional from the heart retirement speech from the great @JasonKelce. We didn't play a long time together, he was a great player and even better person. His shotgun snaps were insanely fast and hard." —Michael Vick
