'No official decision made yet': Jason Kelce sets record straight on retirement rumors amid media speculation

TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA: The rumors of Jason Kelce’s retirement from the NFL have been swirling since the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, the Eagles’ center has not made any official announcement yet and has addressed the rumors in the latest episode of his 'New Heights' podcast with his brother Travis Kelce, who is dating Taylor Swift.

Jason Kelce did not announce his retirement to his teammates

According to ESPN, Jason Kelce told his teammates in the locker room that he was retiring after the emotional Eagles’ 31-15 defeat to the Buccaneers on Monday, January 15.

However, on the podcast, Jason Kelce refuted having made such a statement. He clarified that he deliberately kept his future plans ambiguous, believing it was not the appropriate time to finalize a decision.

“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite what’s been leaked to the media,” he said.

“I don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. There’s too much emotion in the moment. There’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision,” he added.

Jason Kelce wants to be respectful and accurate when he decides on his future

Jason Kelce, who won the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018, said he was not trying to be dramatic or draw out the suspense about his future.

He said he would let people know when he had made up his mind, and he wanted to do it in a way that was respectful and accurate.

“When it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I’ve had," he said in the podcast as reported by HollywoodLife.

Kelce added, "I don’t think that it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that,” he said. “In the future, there’ll be something said I guess.”

Jason Kelce got emotional while addressing his teammates

Jason Kelce also disclosed that he became emotional while speaking to his teammates after the game, unveiling the sentiments he expressed to them.

He conveyed his confidence in them and encouraged them to appreciate the moments they experienced in the league.

He also said he did not want anyone to feel sorry for him, as he had enjoyed a great career.

“I did address the team, and pretty much said the same thing that I just said to you which is, ‘I’ve got belief in every single one of you guys. Cherish the moments you have in this league,’” he said.

“A lot of guys [said], ‘If that is your last game, I feel sorry for you.’ Don’t feel sorry for me, m************.”

He added that he appreciated everyone in the room, and he would go to "war with them any day of the week."

He also said there was a lot of emotion in the room, and he did not know what the future holds for anyone in the building.