Top 10 moments from Jason Kelce's career with Philadelphia Eagles as he prepares to hang up his boots
10 Iconic moments from Jason Kelce's career with Philadelphia Eagles as he intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons
Jason Kelce's name has been synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles for years. He became part of the team in 2011 after the sixth round of the NFL Draft of that year. Though the Super Bowl champion has not officially declared his retirement from the game, reports noted that he's been planning to retire. It has been said that the center shared his intention with his teammates following the Eagles' 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, January 16. Let’s take a look at 10 iconic moments from his career with the Eagles ahead of his retirement announcement.
Jason Kelce’s best season and Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LII win
There's no doubt that 2017 is regarded as Jason's best season as he led the Philadelphia Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl victory. Apart from starting in all 16 regular-season games, he managed to become the highest-rated offensive lineman in the NFL.
Jason Kelce in Mummers costume at the 2018 Super Bowl victory parade
In 2018, the 36-year-old football center Jason donned a Mummers attire and strutted down Broad Street after the Eagles' Super Bowl win. There's no doubt that he immediately became a sensation with his choice of costume, which sees an uptake in its sale every time Eagles wins. Jason not only chose a unique costume to celebrate the Super Bowl LII win but also delivered a memorable speech on top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His rousing speech resonated with people as he pointed out the flaws of his team. "We're a bunch of underdogs and you know what underdogs are, they're hungry dogs. Hungry dogs run best and that's this team," was one of the memorable lines.
Jason Kelce performed 'Fly, Eagles Fly' with the Philadelphia orchestra
Some might be surprised to know that apart from football, Jason takes a key interest in playing the baritone saxophone. He showcased his talent in July 2018 by performing 'Fly, Eagles Fly', the Birds' fight song, with the Philadelphia orchestra.
Jason Kelce turned into 'Fat Batman' for Halloween
During the 2022 season, cornerback Darius Slay noted that all wide receivers were Batman, giving each their designation. Jason didn't let go of the opportunity as he donned the persona of "Fat Batman" during Halloween, only to be dubbed "Sexy Batman" by Slay.
The Eagles Christmas album fever
In 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles released their first Christmas album, 'A Philly Special Christmas', which was an instant hit and sold out three times, successfully raising $1.25 million for the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center. Notably, the songs were performed by offensive tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata alongside Jason.
Jason Kelce and (Be) Philly Foundation
Jason’s (Be) Philly Foundation is a non-profit organization that works toward "a brighter future for the next generation of Philadelphians." When asked about his philanthropy, Jason noted, "I owe so much back to the community and to the city that I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to repay that debt," as per the Philly Mag.
Jason Kelce and his brother Travis Kelce take it to 'New Heights'
Jason and his brother Travis Kelce, the tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, are the co-hosts of their podcast ‘New Heights’, which was launched in September 2022. On the podcast, the brothers tend to discuss their games and also share personal stories with humor. During one episode, while talking about the "weirdest thing" they have been asked to sign, Travis revealed he was once asked to sign a baby, a request he denied. However, Jason in turn said, "I’ll sign a baby. Gimme a baby, I’ll sign it," and he did sign a "baby" doll after the Eagles defeated the Giants in early 2023.
The Kelce Bowl
The Kelce brothers were the highlight of Super Bowl 2023, where Travis Kelce’s Chiefs beat out older brother Jason Kelce’s Eagles, 38-35, for the Lombardi trophy. The event was dubbed 'The Kelce Bowl' by fans as they watched the players' mom Donna Kelce navigate being the first mom to have two sons play each other in the Super Bowl. Her custom-made jean jacket—half-Eagles and half-Chiefs, created buzz for all the right reasons. What fans did not know then was that Jason Kelce was on the edge of making a major decision. Either to leave football with his final NFL memory being that of a loss, or give it another go in 2023? We all know what he chose.
Celebrating brother Travis Kelce's victory
During Super Bowl LVII in February 20223, the Kelce brothers played against each other, leading to the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Jason did not let the loss take over his happiness for his brother as he celebrated the latter's win, saying, "Happy for you guys and, you know, that's the way it goes sometimes."
Jason Kelce's last game
The game of Monday night, January 15, was possibly Jason's last one. He has not released any statement yet regarding his decision. But earlier he reportedly said, "It’s getting harder and harder to play. There have been little things that are not big things yet but are going to turn into big things the longer I play."
