After Wild Card loss to Bucs, Eagles center Jason Kelce to retire, report says

After 13 seasons in Philadelphia, Eagles center Jason Kelce has decided to hang 'em up.

The six-time All-Pro will retire after telling his teammates his decision following the team's 32-9 Wild Card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

In the waning minutes of the game, Kelce could be seen from the sidelines visibly upset especially after embracing longtime Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

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.”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."

From his locker, right tackle Lane Johnson hinted toward Kelce's retirement Monday night.

"I love him, he's one of my brothers," Johnson said. "I never had a brother growing up, I was an only child. These guys are my family, so I love him.

"He's one of the best centers to play the game. The things he can do on the football field athletically — I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."

More: Watch the 'Kelce' documentary trailer about Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce

When asked about Kelce retiring, Johnson said that "we had a discussion in here after the game."

"It’s going to be his announcement if he’s coming back or if he’s not," Johnson said. "If it was his last game, he’s one of the best teammates I ever had, a guy whose passion was unmatched, a guy who I saw Philly try to run out of town (in 2014).

"I saw a guy emerge from that and become the best center maybe that’s ever played. I was through all that. A special player. You’ll never be able to replace a guy like that."

Kelce's retirement has been speculated in recent years, including during last year's Super Bowl run. It was also highlighted in the documentary, “Kelce,” that debuted on Prime at the start of the season.

Kelce was drafted in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Cincinnati and is a seven-time Pro Bowler. He also has been selected as an NFL first-team All-Pro six times, and was a member of the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, which defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

He will forever be remembered in Philadelphia sports lore for his epic Super Bowl parade speech while dressed in a Mummers costume on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

He is one of a handful of veteran players who may not be back next season, including defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, defensive end Brandon Graham and Johnson.

Cox and Graham are free agents. Johnson, who is signed through 2027, said after Monday's game that he intends to continue playing.

"I plan on finishing my career strong," Johnson told reporters. "I think I have a few good years left and I'm going to take it to the limit."

Graham said he wanted a farewell tour in 2024.

"I still feel like I got a little bit of juice," Graham said. "I really just want to have this one be (season number) 15, farewell tour, call it a day, and move up in the organization and go upstairs and do that part on serving the guys. Keep building this thing."

Cox declined to speak to reporters following the game.

Check back for more updates on this developing story.

Will Jason Kelce retire?: Eagles, NFL fans say goodbye if this was his final game

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles center Jason Kelce to retire, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports