Legendary Eagles radio play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese says he hopes that Jason Kelce's retires, because he cares so deeply about the 36-year-old father of three as a person.
"He's the best center in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles. No question about that," Reese told Ike Reese and Jack Fritz on Wednesday's 94WIP Afternoon Show. "He's one of the great people that has ever been associated with this organization. But I don't consider Jason Kelce just a guy whose games I broadcast. I've come over the last number of years to become a friend of Jason Kelce. We've golfed together, we've spent time together.
"Jason Kelce is a very special individual to me and I honestly hope that he retires. I honestly hope that he retires because I think there is only so much pounding you can take without causing later problems. He's been pounded a lot, you know what he goes through just to get ready for every single game. And you know how many times he leaves a game and you think, 'Well he's out of this game.' And then after halftime he leads the team back onto the field. He has taken a beaten over these last 13 years and I think for his own health and well being in the future, I think it's time for him to retire and I say that with all of my heart because I care so much about Jason Kelce the person."
Kelce is once again mulling over a retirement decision after 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Eagles. He has made seven Pro Bowls, has been named first-team All-Pro six times and of course won the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018.