Jason Kelce's NFL Retirement Speech Made Everyone Weep—Travis Kelce Included
Nobody is OK.
Jason Kelce has announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (13. Of course.)
Jason made his announcement at NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia, with wife Kylie, parents Ed and Donna, and brother Travis Kelce in attendance. All five of them were pictured crying, wiping their tears, or otherwise looking distraught.
In his speech, the football center credited Travis with his own success in the NFL.
"We have a small family. No cousins, one aunt, one uncle. It was my brother and I our whole lives," Jason explained. "We did almost everything together: competed, fought, laughed, cried, and learned from each other.
"We invented games, imagined ourselves as star players of that time. We envisioned making the winning plays day after day ... We won countless Super Bowls in our minds before ever leaving the house." (As I'm sure you know, Travis won the latest Super Bowl with Jason cheering him on from the stands.)
Jason continued, "And when we weren't playing, we were at the other one's games, but seated in a lawn chair or bench, a Capri Sun in our hand that Mom had packed, cheering during the game and waiting outside afterward to celebrate the victory together—or offer encouragement after a defeat.
"There is no chance I'd be here without the bond Travis and I share. It made me stronger, tougher, smarter, and taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty, patience, and understanding. It's only too poetic I found my career being fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love. I knew that relationship all too well."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
So not only did Jason announce his retirement after Taylor Swift's favorite number 13 seasons, but he also nodded to her lyrics by slipping "all too well" in there, as if the unhinged fans (hello) wouldn't notice. Tut tut.
Speaking of Swift, Travis wore two friendship bracelets in honor of his superstar girlfriend for the press conference. One read "Travis Kelce," and the other read "T <3 T."
Jason Kelce with a beautiful moment talking about the relationship with his brother Says it is fitting he played in the City of Brotherly Love because of the relationship he’s had with Travis #Eagles pic.twitter.com/KcXYAzUQLuMarch 4, 2024
During his emotional retirement announcement, Jason also paid a wonderful tribute to his wife Kylie.
"I won’t forget the Eagles’ Christmas party in 2014 and heading out afterwards with a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo Billiards where my life would change forever. That night, I’d meet my future wife," Jason said, breaking down in tears at this point in his speech.
"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 thought, 'Man, is this what love feels like?' She was beautiful and smart, serious yet playful. I knew it right away. I think it's no coincidence I have enjoyed my best years of my career with Kylie by my side."
Oh, Jason, you big softie, you. Wishing this large sensitive man a very happy retirement.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
'Dune: Prophecy' Shows the Bene Gesserit's Rise to Power—Meet the Next Gen Actresses Leading the Max Series
And if you need a refresher on House Atreides and Harkonnen lore, we've got you covered.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Prince Andrew's "Anxiety is Through the Roof " Amid Royal Lodge Battle
The royal "is generally very lost," a source claims.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Nicole Kidman Addresses the Popular Meme Referencing Her Divorce From Tom Cruise
"That wasn't real life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift Was Caught on Camera Reminding a Security Guard to Say "Please"
The interaction took place at Travis Kelce's latest game.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Taylor Swift's Mom Andrea Is in Her "Chiefs Era" at Travis Kelce's Latest Game
This comes as the singer posted a reminder to her fans to vote.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Hugh Grant Got "Absolutely Smashed" on Tequila With Travis Kelce at the Eras Tour
Pardon me???
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Sources Are Saying There's an "Engagement Countdown"
"He is not going to do anything careless or reckless with her."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Stevie Nicks Wants Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to "Ride Off Into the Sunset" and "Have Babies"
Well, don't we all.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift Smiles With Glee Singing About Someone "Who Might Actually Treat Me Well"
Wonder who she was thinking of!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Travis Kelce Was Filmed High-Fiving Then Sweetly Grabbing Taylor Swift's Hand
The ROMANCE of it all!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Donna Kelce Says “Tight-Lipped” Son Travis and Girlfriend Taylor Swift Won’t Tell Her What They’re Dressing up as for Halloween
"They don't tell us anything."
By Kristin Contino Published