He watches: Jason Kelce praises his wife Kylie in emotional NFL retirement speech

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday after 13 seasons in the NFL.

The Super Bowl champion and seven-time Pro Bowler held a press conference at the Eagles facility to share the announcement.

In an emotional speech, Jason Kelce highlighted the many highs and lows he experienced during his time in the NFL and his college years, explaining what attracted him to the game.

He said: “I have been asked many times: Why did I choose football? What attracted me to the game? And I did not get a correct answer.” “The best way I can explain it is what draws you to your favorite song…your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. How serious it is. The intensity of it. Getting out on the field was the most alive and free. I’ve ever felt.”

He also looked back at his 13-year career with the Eagles, which he described as “full of ups and downs.”

“All of this brings us here today, where I announce… that I will retire from American football after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles,” he said.

More: What to know about Jason Kelsey’s three children and his wife, Kaylee McDevitt Kelsey

In addition to thanking his coaches, support staff, college coaches and loved ones for their support over the years, Jason Kelce also gave a special shout-out to his wife, Kaylee Kelce, with whom he shares three children.

“I think it’s no coincidence, I enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side,” he said. “Every accolade I’ve ever received came with her in my life. She brought out the best in me through love, dedication, support, honesty, intelligence, and of course, a quick kick in the s– from time to time.” “.

Jason Kelce also took time to recognize his brother Travis Kelce for his role in shaping the man and player he became.

“There is no way I would be here without the bond that Travis and I share. You have made me stronger, tougher, smarter, and taught me the values ​​of cooperation, loyalty, patience, and understanding. I have found my career to be so poetic,” he said, “to be achieved in the city of brotherly love.” “I knew this relationship very well.”

Jason Kelce has gained unique recognition as a quarterback, particularly for the large role he plays as an offensive lineman, a position that generally doesn’t get a lot of hype.

He is widely considered one of the best centers of his generation, a claim legitimized by his six selections to the All-Pro team, a distinction awarded at the end of each season.

Last month, during an appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq”Jason Kelce spoke about the possibility of his retirement, noting that he was still “figuring it out” at the time.

His comments came just weeks after the Eagles’ season-ending loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL playoffs on January 15, after which reports emerged that Jason Kelce announced his retirement to his teammates shortly after the game.

Kelsey later denied those reports, saying in one of his episodes: “new Horizons” podcast, which he hosts with Travis Kelce, that he wasn’t in the right mindset at the time to make such a big decision.

“I deliberately did not announce what I was doing,” he said at the time. “I don’t think you’re in a position after a game like this to really make that decision.”

More: Jason Kelce addresses NFL retirement rumors

“When the time comes to officially announce what will happen in the future, it will be done in a way that is final and respectful of the many people and individuals who mean a lot to me,” he said.

Kelce then confirmed reports that he addressed the Eagles after their loss.

“I have confidence in every one of you guys. I cherish the moments you have in this league,” he recalled telling the team.