Jason Kelce won’t entirely be walking away from the Eagles when it’s time to hang up the cleats.
The veteran center told The Philadelphia Inquirer he hopes to remain involved with the only franchise he’s played for, even if he retires this offseason after 13 seasons that will eventually land him in the NFL Hall of Fame.
“And I don’t know what’s going to happen for me. But I do know, I still want to be involved in the organization and still want to be a part of it, regardless of what the decision is,” Kelce said after watching younger brother Travis and the Chiefs top the Ravens, 17-10, in Sunday’s AFC Championship game.
“Because I don’t want to ever feel like I’m on the outside looking in on these achievements and these accolades and these opportunities that largely represent entire cities and fan bases and organizations. It’s too good a feeling to pass up.”
Kelce’s status is one of the bigger storylines hanging over the Eagles as they enter a pivotal offseason following their second-half collapse this past season.
The 36-year-old reportedly told teammates after the Eagles’ wild-card loss to the Buccaneers that he had played in his last game.
Jason Kelce watches the AFC Championship game.AP
Kelce later said on the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with Travis that he had not made any decision, but when he does, it will be done in a way to show respect to the people who have helped him.
He told the Inquirer on Sunday that he’s looking forward to the 2024 season, although that should not be taken as a sign he’s returning.
“As a Philadelphia Eagle, incredibly disappointing season, especially at the end of it,” Kelce told the outlet. “And I really, really look forward to next year. I look forward to trying to prove people wrong, especially with some of the recent hires and Nick Sirianni. And there’s a lot of things up in the air for the Philadelphia Eagles. But I think that, as a player, you always look forward to go into battle with your guys.”
Jason Kelce during the wild-card loss to the Buccaneers.Getty Images
Talks about his retirement have quieted as he’s spent the last two weeks following Travis and the Chiefs around the country while they’ve secured their Super Bowl berth.
Kelce took his shirt off and went wild while watching the Chiefs beat the Bills in the divisional round, but kept his Hawaiian shirt on while watching the Chiefs punch their ticket to Super Bowl 2024.
He will be in Las Vegas for the Super Bowl to watch his baby brother attempt to win a third Super Bowl.
“I’m looking forward to watching him,” Jason told the paper. “I’m looking forward to heading out to Vegas and cheering my brother on. Hopefully him and Pat (Mahomes) and Andy (Reid) and those guys can get the third one.
“And if it isn’t in the cards, hopefully blackjack is in the cards for me.”
