Jason Kelce joins unique list with achievements from his finals 3 seasons

Jason Kelce’s dream of hoisting another Lombardi Trophy remains unfulfilled, despite winning one with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles’ playoff run last season offered a glimmer of hope, but Kelce’s championship aspirations were dashed abruptly, leaving him heartbroken and in tears on the field.

At first, Jason Kelce denied rumors about retiring and said he wanted to keep playing. However, the Philadelphia Eagles’ center, who was part of the team’s Super Bowl win, eventually decided to call it quits. This puts him among the NFL’s best players.

Jason Kelce follows NFL greats into unique list

With an illustrious 13-season career, Jason Kelce leaves an indelible mark, joining the elite company of Jim Brown, Don Hutson, and Dwight Stephenson as one of the four players to retire with 3 First Team All-Pro selections and 3 Pro-Bowl selections in his final 3 seasons. 

Kelce’s dominance is undeniable. His six First-Team All-Pro selections put him in the Eagles’ hall of fame alongside legends Chuck Bednarik and Reggie White. He further solidified his legacy by setting franchise records for most consecutive starts (156) and most regular-season games played by an offensive lineman (193).

Kelce’s achievements on the field are unparalleled. As the only center in NFL history to earn six First-Team All-Pro honors and win a Super Bowl title, his departure leaves a significant void in the Eagles’ lineup. 

Beyond his on-field prowess, the 36-year-old’s leadership off the field was equally impactful. His influence extended to mentoring younger players and guiding the team through both triumphs and challenges.

While replacing the vet center is a daunting task, the Eagles are fortunate to have Jalen Hurts stepping up to the challenge. While the former Crimson Tide player may lead in a different manner, his on-field leadership qualities mirror those of Kelce, offering hope for the future of the Eagles’ offensive line.

Former teammate’s hilarious message for Jason Kelce

After receiving inspiration from Saquon O’Neal’s words, Jason Kelce bid an emotional farewell, officially announcing his retirement from the NFL. Now officially jobless in the NFL, Kelce’s retirement prompted his former teammate Beau Allen to have a bit of fun at his expense.

Allen shared a candid snapshot of himself and Kelce, captured in a moment of camaraderie. In the photo, Kelce sported a dark denim jacket and a coordinating baseball cap while seated in the driver’s seat of a car, flashing a cheerful smile. Allen, positioned in the passenger seat, humorously referred to Kelce as a “jobless bum” while expressing gratitude for the ride to a local event.

“Needed a ride to @Philly_Show, thankfully this jobless bum could drop me off #uberdriver,” Allen wrote on X.

Allen began his NFL career as a defensive tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles before playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. He retired from the NFL in July 2022, per Parade.

As Kelce transitions to life beyond the gridiron, teammate Jason Allen, who himself recently hung up his cleats, cautioned him about the potential for missing the game’s adrenaline rush. Kelce echoed this sentiment, expressing regret about retiring during the Eagles’ rough stretch and acknowledging the less-than-ideal timing of his decision.

Shabiha Akter

1227 articles

Shabiha, once a casual observer, has morphed into a die-hard NFL fan. She carefully dissects every play, trade, and strategy. Whether it's breaking down game highlights or predicting playoff outcomes, Shabiha is your go-to source for all things NFL.

|

Leave a Comment

SportsKnot