In the City of Brotherly Love, Jason Kelce Has Hung Up His Wings
Like Icarus flying too close to the sun, the Philadelphia Eagles came crashing down to earth last Monday night in a heartbreaking loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As the clock wound down on a less-than-Fairytale season, another clock struck midnight for the Eagles’ beloved center and leader, Jason Kelce. In the locker room after the game, the six-time All-Pro delivered an emotional speech to teammates, announcing his bittersweet decision to retire after 12 remarkable seasons adorned in midnight green.
“He told us that he loves us, and that he gave us everything he had,” shared tearful tight end Dallas Goedert.
Though he left the Linc without a word to the press, Kelce’s revealing locker room speech rippled through the city he loves so much. Early Tuesday morning, top sources such as ESPN and the Associated Press confirmed that the likely future Hall of Famer would be hanging up his wings for good.
Like any great Philadelphia story, Kelce’s had its fair share of underdog moments. Over the years, his fiery passion and work ethic steadily lifted his game to an elite level rarely seen for an offensive lineman. By believing in himself when others didn’t, the tenacious center beat the odds again and again with his stalwart presence on the field.
“Somebody telling him he can’t do it is a fire that drives him,” shared his mother, Donna Kelce, in a recent interview.
While Kelce made his mark protecting quarterbacks and paving rushing lanes, his larger-than-life persona extended far beyond the hashmarks. A man of the people, Kelce knew how to capture hearts with his wit and authenticity. His impassioned, mummers suit-clad speech at the Art Museum following the Eagles first Super Bowl win will be etched in Philly lore for ages.
Kelce also showered the city with charitable acts off the field. Over the years, he dedicated significant time and resources to the Eagles Autism Foundation. His recent holiday single “Fairytale of Philadelphia” topped music charts and generated profits donated to Philadelphia charities in need.
As Kelce flies off into the sunset, he leaves behind huge shoes to fill at the center position and an endearing, enduring legacy unique to Philadelphia’s folklore of favorite sons. We raise a Crisco-slathered light pole to salute him. His beloved Eagles may not have gotten their fairytale ending this year, but Kelce and his magnificent career will forever live happily ever after in the hearts of this city’s faithful fans.
