Jason Kelce Finally Addresses Leaked Retirement News
TAMPA, FL - January 15: Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after a loss in the 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)
Despite apparent confirmation from the NFL itself, Jason Kelce is rolling back his retirement rumors.
Fans were devastated when news leaked that the Eagles' center had reportedly told his teammates following their playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that Monday night's game had been his last, though the should-be Hall of Famer never spoke the words directly to reporters.
On the newest episode of New Heights, the podcast he shares with brother Travis Kelce, Jason appeared to skirt around the end of his career, neither confirming nor denying that he'd already played his last game, despite the emotional season-ender that led some to assume, based on his body language, that the news was true—suggesting that the words said to his teammates in the locker room after the game may have been misconstrued.
While teammates Brandon Graham and Lane Johnson each addressed retirement rumors during their post-game interviews, Jason said that it wasn't the right time "to...make that decision" in the aftermath of "a game like that." He explained, "There’s too much emotion in the moment and too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”
Hence, he “didn’t announce what [he] was going to do on purpose, despite what’s been leaked to the media.”
Related: NFL Network's Rich Eisen Has a 'Selfish' Message for Jason Kelce Amid Retirement News
At this point, he said he doesn't "know what next year’s going to look like, with the team, coaches [and] players." As Johnson said, "...there’s gonna be some changes for sure." But for now, Jason "just want[s] to make sure everybody knows how much [he] love[s] and respect[s] and appreciate[s] the effort and energy they put into the year."
He added, "I know the outcome was not acceptable, but I love each and every person in that room and I’ll always believe in them. I’ll always go to battle with each and every one of you.”
Jason assured fans he’s “not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out,” but it deserves his proper time and attention.
When the time does come to “officially announce what’s happening in the future,” he'll do it “in a way that’s definitive and pays a lot of respect to people...that have meant a lot to me and led to the career I have."
And to all those who have been saying, “If that is your last game, I feel sorry for you,” Jason can't help to laugh: "Don’t feel sorry for me.”
For now, he’s focused on the team’s myriad of end-of-season procedures, including exit interviews, team meetings with coaches, exit physicals, and more.
Next: Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni Has a Direct Message for Jason Kelce Amid Retirement News
