Will Jason Kelce retire? Eagles, NFL fans say goodbye if this was his final game
As the seconds were ticking down to the end of the Philadelphia Eagles' 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Tampa, so too were the possibly the final second of Jason Kelce's career.
Kelce didn't talk to the media after the game. He was near tears in the locker room when he said, "Not today, guys, sorry. Take it easy.”
The Eagles' legendary center has talked about retirement and as his 13th season came to an end, tears started to flow. As he was walking toward the locker room there was hurt and hugs of support from Eagles staff.
After the game, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts described Kelce as a "legend in the city, and really in this league.
Added head coach Nick Sirianni: "I love him ... He's special, and I love him. He's one of the most special guys I've been around. Obviously, he's always got a place here. We'll always want him to play, and we'll see what happens as time progresses."
The potential end of a Hall-of-Fame career: pic.twitter.com/XJbQA8nBT9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 16, 2024
Left tackle Jordan Mailata also chimed in, saying: "He was a true leader until the final whistle. He was being real positive, trying to get the guys’ spirits up, and get us going. He’s a true leader until the final whistle. That’s why I love him."
While retirement questions will fill the Philadelphia sports media until there's a resolution, one thing is for sure – Kelce, a near-certain Hall of Famer, left an impression on Eagles fans and NFL fans alike.
As Dylan Powell wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "It’s easy to root against the Eagles but impossible to root against Jason Kelce."
It’s easy to root against the Eagles but impossible to root against Jason Kelce.
Awesome dude and future hall of famer. 🫡
pic.twitter.com/YTTcdSQ5Vb— Dylan Powell (@PowellAnalytics) January 16, 2024
Warrior 🦅 pic.twitter.com/sKV980euQW
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Only eagles player I have sympathy for right now is Jason Kelce
— morgan (@morganciandella) January 16, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles fans say thank you to Jason Kelce
Eagles fans, already dealing with the loss, were also coping with the possibility that this was Kelce's last game and sending thank-you messages on social media.
Thank you for everything you have done for Philadelphia, Jason Kelce. You will forever be remembered as the greatest center of all time.
Forever an Eagle @JasonKelce 🦅💚#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/gnc79zYrmI— Carl 🐍 (@SecretaryHurts) January 16, 2024
Thank you for all you have given this team, Jason Kelce 💚
On and off the field - best to ever do it.#Eagles (@JasonKelce)pic.twitter.com/LGxHgkSi3g— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) January 16, 2024
This is the face of a hero that gave his team everything he had left, and they gave him nothing in return. Makes me sick. Jason Kelce deserved better pic.twitter.com/U6GyUvcqYg
— Philly_Bwo (0-0 GO BIRDS! 💚🦅🖤) (@Philly_Bwo) January 16, 2024
If this is the end, thank you, @JasonKelce, words cannot describe what you have ment to this city, team, and the @NFL as a whole, you have been a true professional in every sense of the word. Thank you for all the memories ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6r3xW5tBmY
— na fam (@farmallking49) January 16, 2024
@JasonKelce thank you, 62. You didn’t deserve this ending. But you’re the most beloved Eagle of my lifetime.
First ballot HOFer. A god in Philly.— Conor (@labita24) January 16, 2024
Thats it for @JasonKelce,I think so. We love you Kelce! https://t.co/ix1KZnBoM6
— Stressed 🦅 Fan! (@tallen4383) January 16, 2024
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Will Jason Kelce retire? Eagles, NFL fans on social media say goodbye
