Longtime Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, resulting in an outpouring of gratitude from peers, pundits and fans on social media.
Kelce’s retirement was mostly expected as he hinted in recent months that the 2023 season was likely his last rodeo, but the news still struck fans and fellow NFL players with emotion.
The 36-year-old stalwart ends his NFL career playing all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Eagles. He helped the team win Super Bowl LII in February 2018, earned six first-team All-Pro selections and was named to the Pro Bowl seven times.
It’s clear based on social media reaction that Kelce touched the lives of many people in myriad ways.
Here are some of the best messages posted for Kelce shortly after he announced his retirement.
Congrats to my good friend @JasonKelce on a legendary career. Had the crew over @greenlight but together a highlight tape of some of your best reps from 2023. I think this tape really shows your unique athleticism and how versatile you are as a player! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/X4FOhLVW6U
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 4, 2024
Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2024
Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce
A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you.
🙏🏼
Jason,
— Jeff Stoutland (@CoachStoutland) March 4, 2024
Some of my fondest coaching moments have been by your side these past 11 seasons. I’m so proud of the player you’ve worked to become and legacy you’ve built. I will miss having you by my side. It’s been my honor & I congratulate you on an incredible career.
Stout out pic.twitter.com/l5fYsHCjPw
One thing is clear from this press conference. Jason Kelce LOVES football and we were blessed to watch him play it. pic.twitter.com/wd72igdkhf
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 4, 2024
Jason Kelce just delivered the greatest retirement speech I've ever seen.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 4, 2024
Authentic, reflective, appreciative of so many people and the places at every step of his journey.
Build the statue now.
What an all-time great.
The most emotional moment of Jason Kelce’s retirement speech was talking about his brother, @tkelce. 😭
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 4, 2024
“I won’t forget falling short to the Chiefs & the conflicted feelings of immense heartbreak… & the amount of pride I had that my brother had climbed the mountain top again.” pic.twitter.com/m48fZMHbR7
Congrats to my guy @JasonKelce amazing career!!! #EaglesGoat https://t.co/Iy3f5WmzHV
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
The Jason Kelce story is just fantastic. Just grinded away early in his career, kept working at his craft and was a 1st team All Pro in 6 of his last 7 seasons. Outstanding leader of men and will be a Hall of Famer. https://t.co/uQorR90DiY
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 4, 2024
peak OL. peak Philly. Jason Kelce is one of the greatest caretakers of the game there’s ever been. did it the right way. did it the hard way.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 4, 2024
Listening to Jason Kelce’s retirement speech reminds me why I love the game of football so much! Raw emotion and appreciation!
— Jason McCourty (@JasonMcCourty) March 4, 2024
Congrats on a great career!
