Why is Jason Kelce Retiring? Is Jason Kelce Going to Retire From Football?
John Johnson
Updated on December 30, 2025
American football center Jason Kelce plays center for the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles. In the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Eagles chose him.
He was a member of the Cincinnati Bearcats football team in college. In addition to being a six-time first-team All-Pro selection, Kelce is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion.
Many people consider Kelce to be among the best centers in NFL history. Outside of football, Kelce and his brother Travis co-host the podcast New Heights, where they talk about a variety of subjects including their playing careers.
After an incredible 13-season career with the Philadelphia Eagles that ended in a playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jason Kelce has announced his retirement. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as the NFL’s seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro.
Why is Jason Kelce Retiring?
After 13 seasons of play, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is retiring from the league. Following the Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he made his decision.
Even though he had a tearful farewell on the sidelines, Kelce hasn’t made his retirement official just yet. He had been considering retirement for a few seasons, but his coach sent him a keg of beer in an attempt to talk him out of it in 2022.
A beloved character in Philadelphia sports, Kelce had an incredible career that included five All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl victory in 2017.
In addition to playing football, he is a co-host of a podcast, the focus of a documentary, and one of People magazine’s Sexiest Men of 2023. Following a documentary shot during the 2022 season, Kelce expressed his concerns about the physical toll football has on his body, leading him to decide to retire.
Coaches and teammates have complimented Kelce, and the Eagles have entered a new chapter with his retirement. An installment of the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, is anticipated to provide the ultimate confirmation of his retirement.
Who is Jason Kelce?
American football player Jason Kelce is well-known for his outstanding NFL career as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles. A Cincinnati football player who was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, he was born on November 5, 1987.
Among the many accomplishments Kelce has had during his career include a Super Bowl victory, seven Pro Bowl selections, and six All-Pro selections.
Being co-host of the podcast “New Heights” with his brother Travis, where they talk about various issues and their playing careers, Kelce is widely considered as one of the finest centers in NFL history. His influence extends beyond the field.
Away from football, Ed Kelce, a sales representative for the steel industry, and Donna Kelce, a banker, reared Jason Kelce in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. In addition to being a talented football player, Kelce demonstrated his musical abilities as a child by participating in high school bands and playing the baritone saxophone.
Kelce, a family man with three girls, is married to Kylie McDevitt, whom he met through a dating app. Kelce’s path from high school multisport athlete to NFL star highlights his adaptability and dedication off the field, which sets him apart from the rest of his paternal family.
Is Jason Kelce Going To Retire From Football?
It appears that Jason Kelce will be retiring from the game of football. According to a number of reports, including those from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles has told his teammates of his decision following the team’s playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 36-year-old Eagles player has played in 13 NFL seasons, winning Super Bowl LII in 2018. He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro pick. Kelce, who was a free agency in March, looks to have made the decision to retire, after an incredible career in sports.
Why is Jason Kelce Retiring – FAQs
- Why is Jason Kelce retiring from football?
Jason Kelce is retiring after a 13-season career, culminating with the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. - Did the playoff loss influence Jason Kelce’s decision to retire?
Yes, Kelce’s retirement announcement followed the Eagles’ playoff defeat to the Buccaneers, contributing to his decision. - How has Jason Kelce contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL?
Kelce has had a remarkable career, being a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, and winning Super Bowl LII with the Eagles. - Were there any signs or discussions about Jason Kelce retiring prior to this announcement?
Kelce had considered retirement in previous seasons, and his coach even sent a keg of beer to persuade him to return for the 2022 season. - Is there a possibility of Jason Kelce returning to football after his retirement announcement?
While there is a theoretical chance, Kelce, set to become an unrestricted free agent, seems to have made a definitive decision to retire