Football fans got to see a different side of both Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce on Monday when Jason announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Jason struggled to get through his prepared remarks as he thanked his teammates, while Travis was visibly emotional in the crowd. Those emotions spilled over into Wednesday's edition of "New Heights" when the future Hall of Fame brothers broke down the long-anticipated decision.
Travis struggled to find the words at times, but he made it clear that he was proud of Jason's career more than anything else.
"You've always been a step ahead of me, and it's always been like I've had that flotation device right there," Travis said. "And to have to have you out of it, man, it feels... it feels empty, and it definitely feels like it's complete."
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Travis explained that he had no role in Jason's decision-making process, making sure his brother didn't feel any pressure one way or another.
"I wanted to make sure you didn't feel any pressure from me to keep going," Travis said, prompting Jason to joke that he would have changed his mind if he knew.
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Travis labeled his brother's career a "success," which is putting it mildly. Jason was a six-time All-Pro, emerging as the NFL's best center for a long stretch of his 13 seasons with the Eagles and helping power the franchise to its first Super Bowl win.
"I couldn't have been more proud listening to you yesterday," Travis said, praising his brother's emotional retirement speech during which Jason was overrun with emotions.
Jason Kelce hugs Travis, Kylie and his family after his retirement speech #Eagles pic.twitter.com/9EW2dkiyYa
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 4, 2024
Travis expressed excitement for Jason's next chapter, which will start with the future Hall of Famer becoming a full-time father. "You got the f— world in your palm right now. Dude, [you] got three little ones that I know you're dying to watch grow up," the Chiefs tight end said.
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The brothers showered praise on the city of Philadelphia and the passion of the Eagles fan base, with Travis telling Jason, "You embodied that place before you even knew you embodied it."
Retirement speculation followed Travis throughout the playoffs, if only because he's accomplished nearly all of what an NFL star can aim to accomplish. He's made it clear that day hasn't come yet, but when it does, it promises to be an emotional affair between two brothers who have been bonded by football.
