Eagles Jason Kelce Retires from NFL, Looks to New Heights

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce calls it a career after 13 seasons in the NFL, as the 36-year all-pro made his retirement official today during a press conference.

Jason Kelce stated, "I've been asked many times why did I choose football -- what drew me to the game -- and I never have an answer that gets it right," Kelce said during a speech that he had to stop many times as he was overtaken by emotion."

"The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song ... your favorite book. It's what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it."Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, 'Good job.' I love football," the soon to be Hall of Fame center added.

Kelce teased retirement after the Eagles' appearance in Super Bowl LVII where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, he opted to play one more season, re-signing with the Eagles last offseason.

He told his teammates he was retiring following the Eagles' 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Now Kelce has made it official, walking away from the game.

Jason Kelce to be Canton Bound

Kelce is no doubt Hall of Fame-bound when it's all said and done. He has played his entire career with the Eagles, getting drafted by the team in 2011 in the sixth round.

He has made six all-pro selections and has been to several pro bowls throughout his career.

The Eagles long time center helped them win their first Super Bowl back in 2018, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52.

Kelce holds the franchise record for most consecutive starts at 157 games, having not missed a game since 2014.