NFL's Jason Kelce Breaks Silence On Retirement Rumors

NFL player Jason Kelce is speaking out about the recent retirement rumors following the Philadelphia Eagles playoff loss Monday.

As you may know, Jason, who is the older brother to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, reportedly told his teammates that he would be retiring from the game. He was seen extremely emotional on the field after the 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card playoff game.

Days later, on his 'New Heights' podcast, which he hosts with his brother, Jason addressed those rumors, setting the record straight as to what exactly was said in the locker room on Monday.

The Eagles' elimination from the playoffs was emotional for the entire team, as they came off a season with an 11-6 record. The team had hoped to return to the Super Bowl this year, however, those dreams were crushed when Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Eagles 32-9.

Because the loss was so emotional, Jason Kelce stated, "I just don't think you're in a position after a game like that to really, you know, make that decision. I just don't". The Eagles center was referencing the retirement rumors that have been going around since Monday.

"There’s too much emotion in the moment. There’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision," he added on his podcast. "I'm not trying to be dramatic to continue to draw this thing out," he continued. "I'm really not."

Jason did not confirm nor deny the retirement rumors, though he did set the record straight as to what he told his teammates in the locker room following the playoff loss. "I did address the team and pretty much said, 'I [believe] in every single one of you guys'," he told his brother and the listeners on the podcast. "'Cherish your moments in this league.' "

"That's kind of the way it went down. A lot of guys [said], 'If that's your last game, I feel sorry for you.’ Don't feel sorry for me for me m----------," he added. The Eagles player was extremely emotional on his podcast as he had to take a moment to catch his breath before adding, "Well either way, I truly appreciated everybody in that room, and I’d go to war with them any day of the week... Enjoy the time you got."

Again, he did not confirm if he would be returning to the league or not, but he did say when the time comes, to "officially announce what's happening in the future, it will be done in a way that will be definitive."

The announcement will come "with respect to individuals who have meant a lot for me and what has led to the career I've had."

Perhaps Jason Kelce is waiting until after the 2023-2024 NFL season comes to an end to make his retirement announcement. His brother, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs are currently still in the playoffs, hoping to make it to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row.