After 13 excellent seasons, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has announced his retirement. Kelce has left an indelible impact on the NFL and will not be forgotten. Throughout his career, Kelce has demonstrated great excellence and leadership, throughout his 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. As he announced his retirement, many of his fans, teammates and overall football fans celebrated his incredible career as the NFL’s best center. 

Kelce began his career at the University of Cincinnati, where, despite being considered “undersized” for his position, he showcased exceptional talent both on and off the field. Starting all four years and eventually becoming a captain, his dedication caught the attention of NFL scouts. In 2011, coach Andy Reid drafted Kelce to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. “[Jason Kelce] had tremendous toughness, speed, [he] was smart and dirty tough and so that was an easy decision,” Reid said in a recent interview with New Heights podcast, recalling the start of Kelce’s remarkable career. He quickly rose to be classified as one of the best centers in the NFL, earning numerous awards and Pro Bowl selections.

During his time with the Eagles, Kelce became a crucial part of the team’s offense. His agility, intelligence and competitiveness made him stand out to not only Eagles fans but to fans all across the NFL. He was able to take full control of the offensive line and excel in pass protection and run-blocking. Kelce played a huge role in the Eagles Super Bowl LII in 2018, leading the Eagles to beat the New England Patriots. His astounding blocking and football IQ allowed quarterback Nick Foles and the Eagles’s offense to thrive, leading Kelce to his first Super Bowl victory. His leadership both on and off the field earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches, teammates and fans, which ultimately solidified him as a Philadelphia icon. 

Kelce has influenced and impacted millions, including people who aren’t big fans. Lacey Dagenais, a sophomore at Centennial High School, represents many who feel neutral about Kelce. Despite not being an Eagles fan, Dagenais stated, “Jason Kelce is an all-around good person on and off the field. I see the impact he made on both Eagles and non-Eagles fans and he is generally well-liked by everyone, which is an admirable quality.” Dagenais continues by saying, “He showed much passion for football when he made his exit, and that is very respectable.” 

After 13 incredible seasons, Kelce has announced his retirement, bringing his career to a close. Kelce’s retirement speech captured the hearts of football enthusiasts all over the United States. In his speech, he expressed an endless amount of gratitude and reflected on his journey. His emotional speech left an impact on not only NFL fans but on all those who listened. 

Although Kelce has moved onto a new chapter of his life, his legacy and impact on the football community persists. From his humble beginnings to his triumphant moments, Kelce’s unwavering dedication has left a remarkable impact on the sport he loves. As fans say farewell to one of the game’s greats, they do so with gratitude for the memories and inspiration that Kelce has provided throughout his extraordinary career. 

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