Was Monday Night's Game Jason Kelce's Last?
By Melanie VanDerveer on January 16, 2024 at 9:15 AM EST
Updated on January 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST
After a tough game that ended the Philadelphia Eagles season on Monday night, fans are worried that it was the last time star player Jason Kelce will be on the field.
Cameras caught Kelce getting emotional on the sideline after the season-ending loss, and sources are reporting that Kelce, 36, told his teammates in the locker room postgame that he is retiring, according to ESPN. The six-time All-Pro has considered retirement after other seasons, but this time may be different after the Eagles 32-9 playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Is Jason Kelce Retiring?
After Monday's game, Kelce politely declined to speak with reporters in the locker room saying, "Not today guy, sorry. Take it easy," with tears in his eyes.
According to ESPN, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson told reporters that Kelce "hinted" that this would be his final season in the NFL.
"I love him. He's one of the best to ever play the game," Johnson said. "The things he can do on the football field athletically - I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."
The legendary center has thrown around the thought of retirement in the past, but as his 13th season came to an end, it appears that maybe this time it might happen.
Head coach Nick Sirianni called Kelce "special."
"He's special, and I love him. He's one of the most special guys I've been around," Sirianni said, according to USA Today Sports. "Obviously, he's always got a place here. We'll always want him to play, and we'll see what happens as time progresses."
Left tackle Jordan Mailata also had some things to say about Kelce.
"He was a true leader until the final whistle. He was being real positive, trying to get the guys' spirits up, and get us going," Mailata said. "He's a true leader until the final whistle. That's why I love him."
Fans Share Their Thoughts On Jason Kelce's Possible Retirement
While many are speculating that Kelce walked off the field the last time as a player, emotions are flowing on social media. Many fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts and goodbyes if this in fact was Kelce's last game.
ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted, "Six-time All-Pro and future Hall-of-Fame center Jason Kelce told his Eagles’ teammates in Monday night’s postgame locker room that he is in fact retiring, per league sources. The 36-year-old Kelce became visibly emotional at the end of the Eagles’ 32-9 loss to the Buccaneers. He has considered retiring after other recent seasons, but this time is said to be real and happening."
Some fans left comments explaining they understand why he would want to retire, and others shared messages of congrats on an amazing career. Regardless of what fans posted, respect was the theme.
The NFL shared a tribute to Kelce.
One of the greatest players and men our game has ever seen:
- 13 seasons with the @Eagles
- Super Bowl LII Champion
- 7x Pro Bowls
- 6x First-team All-ProCongrats on an incredible career, @JasonKelce. 👏 pic.twitter.com/4WELORWlsV
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Emotions are high for Eagles' fans who also took to Twitter to share their sadness on the possibility Kelce retires.
God please take away Jason Kelce’s pain and give it to screenwriters who kill dogs in movies.
pic.twitter.com/NDycadY6Ox— Adam Griggs (@businessraptor) January 16, 2024
Watching Jason Kelce leave the locker room and not speak to the media is probably one of the saddest moments in Eagles history pic.twitter.com/sJNlcpauTo
— YouTuber: Eagle AL (@kb_973) January 16, 2024
Love or hate the Eagles, Jason Kelce was a real one. Respect. @korkedbeers pic.twitter.com/y6aKxYtpgk
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) January 16, 2024
jason kelce, you will always be loved no matter what. such an awesome guy and future hall of famer 💚 pic.twitter.com/tKxjcLeM9x
— Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) January 16, 2024
Many others thanked Kelce for everything he's done for Philadelphia and said he will be remembered as the "greatest center of all time." Some called him a "hero" and others said he "deserved better."