Jason Kelce Talks Retirement Rumors, Says He Wants to Be Part of Eagles Regardless

Jason Kelce may or may not be on the field for the Philadelphia Eagles next season, but regardless, he still wants to be involved with the team.

"And I don't know what's going to happen for me," he said of the possibility he retires this offseason, per Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"But I do know, I still want to be involved in the organization and still want to be a part of it, regardless of what the decision is. Because I don't want to ever feel like I'm on the outside looking in on these achievements and these accolades and these opportunities that largely represent entire cities and fan bases and organizations. It's too good a feeling to pass up."

While Kelce himself hasn't made any official announcements, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported he told his teammates he is hanging up the cleats following Philadelphia's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.

"The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles' 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers," Schefter wrote. "He has considered retiring after other recent seasons, but this time is said to be real and happening."

Yet the veteran offensive lineman said the next day on his New Heights podcast there hasn't been a decision:

Regardless of what happens this offseason, he will forever be an Eagles legend.

Philadelphia selected him with a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, and he has played all 13 of his seasons with the team. His resume includes a Super Bowl title, seven Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro First Team nods, which underscores how talented he is on the field while not completely capturing how important his veteran leadership is to the team and city.

He is seemingly beloved outside of even Philadelphia, as he was seen having quite the time with Buffalo Bills fans even as he was cheering on his brother, Travis, during the Kansas City Chiefs' Divisional Round playoff win:

The older Kelce will likely be in attendance for the Chiefs' Super Bowl matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as well. Perhaps he will make his 2024 plans official after his brother attempts to win the Lombardi Trophy.