It only took a few seconds for Jason Kelce to burst into tears. “Thanks for coming,” he told those in attendance at the Novacare Complex, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, adding, “Let’s see how long it lasts.” Then the emotions of the 36-year-old football professional began to run wild. After 13 years in the NFL, Travis Kelce’s brother announced his retirement on Monday.
After a few minutes, when he had collected himself, he read a 45-minute speech from his cell phone. He kept struggling for composure and had to start again several times, wiping the tears from his face with a towel. He then described, among other things, his love for the sport, remembered games with his brother in the backyard, and thanked his former coaches, his wife and his parents.
Finally, he said what everyone present already knew: “This brings us to today, when I announce that I will be retiring,” and followed up with: “Today I have to admit that I’m officially overrated “It took a lot of work and determination. I’ve been the underdog my entire career. And I mean how I say it: I wish I still were.”
Few things would have given him more joy than proving someone wrong. “My mother always said, ‘If you want Jason to do something, all you have to do is tell him he can’t,’ and that was true in more ways than I would like to admit. I enjoy doubters, they fuel the fire in me.” Kelce said he doesn’t know what’s next, but he’s looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities.
Jason Kelce has played in the NFL since 2011, when the Eagles selected him in the sixth round of the draft with number 191. In his professional career he only played center for the Eagles and was one of the decisive players in the franchise’s only Super Bowl win in 2018 against defending champion New England Patriots (41:33). In 2023, he and Travis Kelce (plays for the Kansas City Chiefs) will be the first time two brothers have faced each other in a Super Bowl.
The 34-year-old was also present at the press conference, as were his parents and Jason’s wife Kylie.
Watch the video above: After the Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl, singer Taylor Swift made her way to the field to congratulate her boyfriend Travis Kelce. Surrounded by teammates and cameras, they hugged and kissed euphorically.
Quellen:Youtube, nfl.com,Associated Press
