Internet gets teary-eyed after Jason Kelce bids farewell to his 13-year NFL career at an emotional press conference

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Jason Kelce has bid farewell to professional football, marking the end of his 13-year NFL career.

In an emotional press conference held at the Philadelphia Eagles Training Center at NovaCare Complex, Kelce officially announced his retirement, bringing an end to his football career that boasted a coveted Super Bowl title, six first-team All-Pro selections, and seven Pro Bowl selections.

Jason Kelce says he was the 'most alive' when on the field

Reminiscing his love for the game, Kelce said, "Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt."

"It was a visceral feeling with football unlike any other sport, added the father of three whose love for the game began when he was a young boy in Cleveland Heights, Ohio," according to the Daily Mail.

Expressing gratitude to people who have supported him throughout his journey, he thanked his teammates, numerous coaches, and "cafeteria workers."

Jason Kelce pays tribute to his brotherly bond with Travis Kelce

Holding back tears throughout his lengthy speech, the Philadelphia Eagles center paid tribute to his brother, Kansas City Chiefs end Travis Kelce as he spoke about their special bond.

Recalling the days the brothers played football, carrying the Capri Sun drinks their mother, Donna Kelce packed for the siblings.

"This is where it's going to go off the rails. We won countless Super Bowls in our minds, before even leaving the house," he said.

On Monday morning, March 4, the NFL star, who shared that he has an upcoming announcement, has been mulling over the decision on his retirement for more than a year.

In his 2023 Prime documentary 'Kelce', the now-retired footballer opened up on the game's impact on his health and how it affected his family, including his wife Kylie Kelce and their three children.

The finality of his decision was palpable following the Eagles' playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 32-9 which took place on January 15.

Internet feels 'sad' after Jason Kelce's retirement announcement

Following Kelce's emotional retirement announcement, netizens expressed how they felt about the NFL star's decision.

"Currently watching Jason Kelce sob live at an Eagles press conference while announcing his retirement and this is not for the weak it’s making me so sad right now," a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"Jason Kelce and the Philadelphia Eagles, who I watched play football weekly for exactly one season in 2017-2018, will always be a little sentimental for me just because of my life at that time. Thanks for the memories, Jason," another user tweeted.

"Gosh dang it Jason Kelce! Crying for someone that I've never met, during their retirement speech was not on my bingo card and I’m crying like a baby!" a fan tweeted.

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