PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A champion and all-time great Philadelphia Eagle is reportedly hanging up his cleats.
Eagles legend Jason Kelce told his teammates in the locker room following the team's 32-9 playoff loss to the Bucs on Monday night that he is retiring, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Kelce, 36, is a legend in Philadelphia, playing all 13 of his NFL seasons in the City of Brotherly Love.
Kelce finishes his career as a six-time first-team All-Pro center, a seven-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion.
Kelce has contemplated retirement over recent seasons, but he was still at the top of his game. After the Eagles’ loss Monday night, he was visibly emotional walking off the field.
Kelce politely declined to speak to reporters afterward, but his teammates, like Jalen Hurts, gave him high praise.
“he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I’ve learned from him. And he’ll forever have a special place in my heart,” he said.
He shared an offensive line with right tackle Lane Johnson for 11 seasons.
“I love him. He’s one of my brothers. I never had a brother growing up. I was an only child, so these guys are my family,” said Johnson. “[Kelce is] one of the best centers to play the game. … I don't think we’ll see another one for a long time.”
“He’s special and I love him,” added head coach Nick Sirianni. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around.”
From his iconic 2018 Super Bowl speech — decked out in a head-to-toe Mummers costume on the Rocky steps — to his ongoing charitable work, Kelce is no question an all-time Mount Rushmore Eagles player on and off the field.
Many expect Kelce to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will certainly make the Eagles Hall of Fame, and it also wouldn’t be a surprise if he becomes one of the select greats to have his No. 62 retired by the franchise.