For the first time in more than a decade, the Eagles need to launch a search for a new starting center.
On Monday, Jason Kelce announced that he is officially retiring, ending a decorated career that spanned 13 seasons. Philadelphia selected Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and he went on to earn six All-Pro and seven Pro Bowl selections.
"Today, I must admit. I am officially overrated," Kelce said during Monday's press conference. "Vastly overrated. I fought. It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here. I've been the underdog my entire career, and I mean this when I say this: I wish I still was. Few things gave me more joy than proving someone wrong."
Kelce was an instrumental piece in the Eagles' most recent Super Bowl run. He stood in the middle of an offensive line that allowed Philly to post 41 points in a Super Bowl 52 victory over New England.
That championship ring further solidified Kelce's status as one of the biggest fan favorites in the Philadelphia sports history.
"It is difficult to put into words how much Jason Kelce has meant to everyone in this organization, to the city of Philadelphia, and to our fans," Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said in a statement. "He gave everything he had to all of us for 13 years, and he did it in a way that was truly authentic. Jason was an incredible football player; a future Hall of Famer who would have been successful anywhere.
"But has there ever been a more perfect marriage between a player, a city, and a team?"
How to buy Jason Kelce's authentic jersey
If you're one of the many Eagles supporters looking to celebrate the career of a Philadelphia legend, Fanatics is offering free shipping on Kelce apparel.
Kelce's midnight green Eagles jersey starts at $129.99 on Fanatics with the Nike Vapor F.U.S.E. Limited Jersey going for 174.99.
Here are just a few items that you can buy right now:
Jason Kelce retirement press conference video
If you missed Kelce's emotional press conference, which included shoutouts to his mother, Donna, and brother, Travis, you can watch it in its entirety below.
Jason Kelce meets with the media to discuss his future. https://t.co/x1Zb6eJWBA
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 4, 2024
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