A tearful Jason Kelce confirmed his retirement on Monday after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 36-year-old spent his entire career with Philadelphia, helping them win their first Super Bowl in 2018 and reach the NFL showpiece again in 2023.
Kelce was a sixth-round draft pick by the Eagles in 2011 but is now regarded as one of the NFL’s best-ever centres.
He cried as he began a statement lasting more than 40 minutes and continued to hold back tears.
“I am very proud knowing where I was once was and the legacy I have left behind,” he said.
Kelce denied that he had decided to retire in January, in the wake of the Eagles’ exit from last season’s play-offs, saying he needed time to consider his future.
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, he played 205 games and holds the franchise record for consecutive starts.
He will be remembered as a Philadelphia legend, securing that status with a passionate speech during their Super Bowl parade in 2018 – on the steps made famous by the Rocky movies.
The Eagles returned to the Super Bowl to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, with Kelce facing his brother Travis.