Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce tearfully announced his retirement from the NFL at a press conference Monday. The move marks the end of a legendary career for the franchise icon.
“Thank you, Philadelphia, from the bottom of my heart,” Kelce said. “Thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes every Sunday.”
Kelce, 36, was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft by the Eagles and developed into one of the best centers in league history. Despite getting picked No. 191 overall, he earned a starting position his rookie year and never lost the job. He made 193 regular-season starts for Philadelphia, and he holds the Eagles franchise record with 156 consecutive starts.