'Deserved more': Internet teary-eyed as Jason Kelce jokes about 'CTE creeping in' ahead of retirement

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, is reportedly expected to retire this year due to both mental and physical fatigue experienced throughout the season.

The father of three, 36, allegedly informed his Eagles teammates of his retirement plans following their elimination from the NFL playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.

Kelce had previously contemplated retirement at the conclusion of the last season, but chose to return after the Eagles' Super Bowl defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that includes his brother Travis Kelce.

However, it is now being reported that Kelce is ready to conclude his impressive 13-year NFL career, having found it increasingly difficult to recover after games this season, per Daily Mail. 

Jason Kelce reportedly struggles with 'CTE' and mental fatigue

Earlier in the season, Kelce reportedly confessed that resuming practice on Wednesdays, was increasingly challenging, as reported by Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

When Hayes questioned if this would be his last season, Kelce responded, "I don't know. I do know — I mean, Wednesdays. The Wednesdays are getting harder. Really, that’s the only thing."

"You're sore Monday, you're off Tuesday, but Wednesday ... I'm just having a hard time getting going again on Wednesdays. Getting the juice, you know?"

However, it's reported that physical discomfort isn't the only factor taking a toll on the player. The report suggests that Kelce also appeared to be "mentally fatigued."

Kelce seemed to be worried about the effects of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a brain disease that has been diagnosed in many NFL stars after their death, particularly those who played well into their later years.

He reportedly had difficulty recalling the date of a teammate's injury and made a light-hearted comment about "the CTE creeping in."

Kelce had previously voiced his concerns about the potential impacts of CTE in his documentary on Amazon Prime last year.

"Not to dress like an elephant in the NFL room, but I am fearful about what the impacts of playing football are going to mean long-term. I have two girls and ... some people end up getting CTE and some guys live long, healthy lives," he added. 

Kelce, who played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats, was reportedly picked up by the Eagles in the 2011 draft and has devoted his entire professional career to Philadelphia. 

Jason Kelce hugs his family after last career game

Kelce appeared visibly emotional in the final moments of his team’s disappointing 32-9 defeat to the Bucs.

The Super Bowl champion, six-time All-Pro, and prospective Hall-of-Fame inductee shared a heartfelt hug with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland as the game clock wound down.

Jason, who is the elder brother of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis, had a touching, albeit brief, reunion with his family on the field. His father, Ed, and wife Kylie, who were in the front row of the stands, were there to support him.

As he left the field, he waved to them both. His tearful, solitary walk back to the locker room was captured on film.

After the game, Kelce respectfully declined to speak with the media in the locker room, per Daily Mail. 

Internet reaction to Jason Kelce's confession

Football enthusiasts and internet users swiftly turned to social media to express their reactions to Kelce's news. 

A user wrote on X saying,  "It's always refreshing to see athletes finally come to terms with the fact that they can't play forever and that their bodies and minds are not invincible. #HangingUpCleats #ToughAsNails."

The same user added, "#FinallyAcknowledgingLimitations. And of course, it's not like Kelce had any other choice."

"With the wear and tear of years of football, he was probably lucky to have made it this far without serious injuries or debilitating symptoms. #WearAndTear #LuckyToBeAlive #DebilitatingSymptoms."

"God please take away jason kelce’s pain and give it to jack manifold," wrote another.

A user wrote on Facebook, "Thank you, Jason. You deserved more than one Super Bowl Ring. And the Eagles should immediately retire your number 62."

Another user added, "Not a fan of the eagles but my heart was sad seeing the defeat in his eyes last night."

"I don’t see him retiring, still has a few good years left. He made an emotional decision and I personally think he’ll come back next year," stated another.

One person mentioned, "Go be the amazing father that we all admire."

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