Following an illustrious 13-season career, Jason Kelce announced his retirement, joining an exclusive list of athletes who have left their mark in the NFL. With Kelce’s departure, the Philadelphia Eagles face the challenge of finding a successor capable of filling his leadership role both on and off the field.
Surprisingly, Fletcher Cox swiftly followed Kelce’s lead, announcing his retirement. Meanwhile, the retired pair recently reunited for a ceremony, during which Jason’s prowess cast a spotlight on his brother Travis Kelce.
Brotherly rivalry takes a twist as NFL star Jason Kelce surprises fans with pitching prowess at Phillies Game
Philadelphia fans were treated to a special moment when former Eagles teammates Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox took the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Philadelphia Phillies’ home game against the Atlanta Braves. As the duo showcased their pitching skills, it sparked a playful rivalry among NFL fans, with some drawing comparisons to Kelce’s brother, Travis Kelce.
Throwing to Phillies stars Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the former Eagles Super Bowl-winning center’s pitch garnered attention from fans, who wasted no time in ribbing Travis on social media.
Despite Travis Kelce’s impressive NFL resume, which includes three Super Bowl wins compared to Jason’s one with the Eagles, fans were quick to claim Jason’s legacy over his younger brother following his pitching performance.
Both Jason and Travis Kelce have spent their entire NFL careers with one team, a rarity in today’s league. While fans may playfully pit the brothers against each other, Travis himself has expressed deep respect and admiration for his elder brother, acknowledging the pivotal role Jason played in shaping his football journey.
For Travis, his 36-year-old brother’s influence extends beyond the gridiron. During Travis’ college days, when he faced suspension from football, he found inspiration in his brother’s unwavering support. Travis, hence, used to don the No. 87 jersey, honoring his brother’s birth year (1987) and symbolizing the profound impact the Eagles’ former center had on his career.
Who will succeed Jason Kelce as Eagles offensive leader?
With the departure of veteran stalwarts Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox, the Philadelphia Eagles face the challenge of filling the leadership void left by two players with over 20 years of combined football experience. Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman addressed this transition at the team’s annual meeting, identifying potential faces for Kelce’s role as the offensive leader.
“(Left guard) Landon (Dickerson) has tremendous leadership capabilities. Obviously, (right tackle) Lane (Johnson) is the leader of the offensive line with Jason not there. (Left tackle) Jordan has grown tremendously as a leader. We expect him to be tremendous. (New starting center) Cam (Jurgens) was a captain at Nebraska,” he said.
Nevertheless, despite looking towards the future, Roseman acknowledged the monumental contributions of Kelce and Cox, stating that their legacy is irreplaceable.
“You don’t replace a Jason Kelce, you don’t replace Fletcher Cox. You’re talking about two guys who I feel should be in the (Pro Football) Hall of Fame and they’re that way as people, too. Those are big losses.”
Who should be the successor of Kelce in Philadelphia? Leave a comment, sharing your perspective.
