Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni Has a Direct Message for Jason Kelce Amid Retirement News

TAMPA, FL - January 15: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the sideline during the second half NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is sending Jason Kelce all his "love" amid the news of his retirement from the league.

Sirianni spoke with reporters following their season-ending loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their first and only playoff game this year—around the same time Kelce reportedly told his teammates that he wouldn't be returning to the team next year.

The coach may have missed the memo at the time of his interview, as he suggested that "we’re not there at that position yet to talk about that" when asked about Kelce's departure from the game, though the official NFL Twitter account has reported his retirement.

"He’s special and I love him. He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around,” Sirianni continued. “He’s always got a place here and [I] always want him to play. We’ll see what happens as time progresses.”

As Kelce has yet to speak on the supposedly confirmed news himself, it's also possible that NFL reporters jumped the gun on breaking it earlier in the day on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

We expect that he'll address the rumors, whether true or not, the next time he and brother Travis Kelce record their podcast New Heights, but in the meantime, fans old and new are already mourning the end of an era after the center's 13 seasons with the team, and have begun the campaign to see to it that he finally be recognized for his impressive career by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Next: Eagles Fans Roast Jason Kelce for Wearing Flip-Flops in the Snow on Game Day