Eagles fans have flooded social media with tributes to Jason Kelce after it was reported on Monday morning that the All-Pro center is set to retire.
Kelce looked emotional as he walked off the field following the Eagles’ 32-9 wild card round loss to the Bucs, and know we know why: he told his teammates he was retiring after the game, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
While Kelce, 36, has yet to address the news himself, Philly fans have not waited to offer their tributes, with one fan calling him the ‘Eagle of the century.’
‘What Jason Kelce did in an Eagles jersey was astounding,’ that fan said on X. ‘The motor for the team his entire career. The Eagle of this century. Don’t know what we’;; do without him.’
Another said, ‘Gotta a lot of love for this guy. What he’s meant to his teammates, the organisation and the city. All the community work he does, some we see some we don’t. Thank you for helping bring a Super Bowl to this team and being the guy you are. Love you @JasonKelce.’
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Jason Kelce’s reported retirement has understandably saddened scores of Eagles fans
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He walked over to see his wife, Kylie, and father, Ed after losing to the Bucs on Monday night
Kelce leaves football at the top of his game, having been named a first-team All-Pro for the sixth time last week.
The 191st overall pick (sixth round) of the 2011 NFL Draft, he spent his entire 13-year career with the Eagles and helped the team to a Super Bowl win in 2018.
The Cleveland Heights, Ohio native developed a reputation as a man of the people and also dedicated some of his time off the field towards philanthropy, as he and his brother Travis took part in an event benefitting the Eagles Autism Foundation in June.
So it’s no wonder that Eagles fans far and wide are sad to see the fan favorite go.
@JasonKelce thank you for everything you’ve done and given to the city!,’ another fan said. ‘Congratulations on a hell of a career! Best of luck with your future! Hope you will be with the eagles organization for years to come! Kelce university!!!!!’
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Dawn Staley wore an Eagles jersey on Monday as South Carolina played against Kentucky – and later offered a touching tribute to Kelce
An emotional Jason Kelce finds his family in the stands postgame 💚 pic.twitter.com/nIJxKDHpxA
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
A different Philly fanatic added, ‘@JasonKelce thank you for everything you’ve done with the city of Philadelphia. I did not watch football when you got drafted, but it has been an honor to see you wear that midnight green these past few seasons. Thank you #62.’
And even South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, a two-time national champion and a native of Philadelphia, offered a tribute to Kelce.
‘Thank you @JasonKelce_ for giving us all of you! You are one of us and we are forever grateful,’ she said.’ ‘To your family, the sacrifices are over so enjoy him to the fullest. Love @Eagles fans from near and far!’
A visibly emotional Kelce could be seen greeting his family from the field after the Eagles’ loss on Monday.
Kelce retires having played 205 total games for the Eagles, including 12 in the postseason.
