Jason Kelce retirement: Travis Kelce breaks down crying while brother thanks family during emotional press conference

Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce
(Getty Images)

Eagles star Jason Kelce announced his retirement from football Monday in an emotional press conference.

The All-Pro center is hanging up his cleats after a Hall of Fame-worthy career with Philadelphia.

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Kelce, 36, spent all 13 of his seasons with the Eagles. He was a constant for Philadelphia’s offensive line which had consistently been among the best in the league during his tenure, appearing in 193 of 211 regular season games.

MORE: Jason Kelce announces retirement after Hall of Fame-worthy career with Eagles

Kelce is undeniably one of the best centers in the history of football, being named first-team All-Pro six times. He is one of just five offensive linemen to achieve that honor, joining Hall of Famers like Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson and Jim Ringo.

Kelce was overcome with emotion as he spoke to the media for one final time as a member of the Eagles, showing love to his brother, Travis, mother, Donna, and wife, Kylie, as he shared the news that he was stepping away from football.

 

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Emotional Jason Kelce shows love to his family during Eagles retirement speech

Kelce delivered the majority of his retirement speech fighting through tears as he projected his love for his teammates, friends, and most importantly, his family.

He began with his mother, Donna, who has become an NFL icon for her devoted love for her two superstar sons.

“I won’t forget my mother becoming ‘mom of the NFL.’ A representative for all moms out there who have sacrificed so much for their children,” Jason began.

Shortly after, he moved on to his brother, Travis, which may have been the most emotional moment of Jason’s press conference.

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“This is where it’s gonna go off the rails,” Jason precluded before addressing his relationship with Travis.

“I won’t forget falling short to the Chiefs and the conflicted feeling of a man’s heartbreak, I had selfishly, for myself and for my teammates. And at the same time, the amount of pride I had for my brother, who had climbed the mountain top once again,” Jason said.

“We have a small family. … It was really my brother and I our whole lives. We did almost everything together. Competed, fought, laughed, cried, and learned from each other.

“… There is no chance I would be here without the bond that Travis and I share. It made me stronger, tougher, smarter, and taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty, patience and understanding.”

Lastly, he honored his wife, Kylie, to whom he credits so much of his career success.

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“I won’t forget the Eagles’ Christmas party in 2014 and heading out afterward with a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo Billiards, where my life would change forever. That night, I would meet my future wife,” Jason stated.

“I still remember the moment she walked through the door. The first instance is burned in my retina. It was like she glided through the opening, an aura around her. Then she started talking and I was like, ‘Man, is this what love feels like?'” he continued.

“… I think it’s no coincidence that I have enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side. Every accolade I have ever received has come with her in my life. She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence and, of course, a swift kick in the a— from time to time.”

Kelce’s retirement speech was an outpouring of appreciation for the people who supported him most through what will be a Hall of Fame career as soon as he is eligible to receive his well-deserved gold jacket.