Jason Kelce Gets in the Ring at WrestleMania 40 During Surprise Appearance
The recent NFL retiree showed off his wrestling skills when he and former teammate Lane Johnson jumped the ropes at the event in Philadelphia
Jason Kelce gets in the ring at WrestleMania 40 on April 6, 2024. PHOTO: WWE
Jason Kelce can now add “wrestler” to his ever-growing résumé.
On Saturday, April 6, the recently retired Philadelphia Eagles player made a surprise appearance during Rey Mysterio and Andrade’s WrestleMania 40 match against Dominik Mysterio — Rey’s son — and Santos Escobar.
During the lively match, Rey and Andrade got some help from two mysterious masked luchadores, who jumped the ropes to join in the fight.
“Who the hell… look at the size of these guys!” one commentator said during the WWE broadcast.
One of the men ripped a metal folding chair out of Dominik’s hands, while the other masked man slammed him into the corner of the ring from the outside, and then tossed him into the center the ring. This lined up the perfect finish for Rey, who threw himself on top of Escobar to clinch the win.
After the announcer declared Rey and Andrade the winners, the two masked men revealed their identities — Kelce, 36, and 33-year old Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
Jason Kelce Retires from NFL After 13 Seasons: Read His Full, 40-Minute Speech
WrestleMania 40 attendees could be seen going wild for Kelce and Johnson, especially because the two-night event is taking place at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the Eagles.
Kelce — who was drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft — recently announced his retirement during an emotional press conference on March 4.
“So this all brings us here to today, where I announce that I am retiring,” Kelce said through tears, nearly 40 minutes into his lengthy speech. “Where I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and today, I must admit, I am officially overrated, vastly overrated.”
Kelce thanked his coaches, teammates and “cafeteria workers” along the way — too numerous to name, he said — in addition to his wife Kylie, mother Donna, father Ed and brother Travis.
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Jason Kelce.LISA LAKE/GETTY IMAGES FOR PRIME VIDEO
The Eagles alum is widely considered to be among the greatest centers in NFL history. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was named first-team All-Pro six times and won one Super Bowl title throughout his accomplished 13-season football career.
Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce: Everything to Know About the NFL Brothers
Since his retirement, Kelce has been having some fun with his free time. He recently threw out the first pitch at a Philadelphia Phillies game against the Atlanta Braves, and PEOPLE reported on March 27 that ESPN was even recruiting the athlete to become a talking head on the Monday Night Football panel.
The Athletic was first to report ESPN’s interest in Kelce. NBC, CBS and Amazon Prime are also trying to land Kelce, per the outlet.
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