Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce’s retirement speech was full with passion as he discussed his career path, personal life, and everything in between.

His family was a major focus of the speech, particularly his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who stated that their “bond” is what has contributed to his success.

“This is where it’s gonna go off the rails,” Jason said during the press conference, just before talking about Travis. “My brother and I shared our entire lives. We did practically everything together: competed, battled, laughed, grieved, and learned from one another.

He went on to say, “I wouldn’t be here if Travis and I didn’t have this link. It made me stronger, tougher, and smarter while also teaching me the values of teamwork, loyalty, patience, and understanding.”

Many people were moved by Jason’s remarks on their childhood growing up and playing sports together, with the football star noting, “We made games, fancied ourselves as famous players at the time…We won several Super Bowls in our heads before we ever left the home.”

Travis was noticeably distraught throughout the press conference, sitting in the audience with his mother, Donna Kelce.

 

Following Jason’s retirement announcement, fans of the Eagles and other football teams sent him warm notes. One X user said, “Watching the entire @JasonKelce news conference was a true tearjerker, but lovely all the same. “Enjoy your retirement, big guy.”

“One of the best to have done it. “The NFL won’t be the same without him,” commented another, while a third commended Jason for being so emotionally open during the speech, stating, “It’s so refreshing to see professional athletes express themselves like this.”

Jason mentioned other family members during the press conference, praising his wife Kylie’s support and his parents’ unending encouragement throughout his childhood.