Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, has formally declared his retirement.

Kelce, 36, was emotional during the 45-minute press conference held on Monday at the NovaCare Complex in South Philadelphia. His parents, Ed and Donna, as well as his brother Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs, were present. Wearing a sleeveless Eagles T-shirt, Kelce couldn’t hold back his tears as he spoke. “Let’s see how long this lasts,” he said. Throughout the tearful press conference, Kelce reflected on his successful career with the Eagles and expressed gratitude towards those who supported him along the way, from his childhood to his time in Philadelphia.

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Kelce expressed his satisfaction, with the match stating that it couldn’t have gone any better. He shared his gratitude for having spent his life playing in Philadelphia viewing it as a platform for opportunities and challenges that will enrich his journey. During his time in Cincinnati he was guided by four coaches before being chosen by Philadelphia in 2011. Throughout his career Kelce achieved a record, with seven Pro Bowl appearances. Being named All Pro six times. Despite feelings of being overrated he attributes his success to determination and hard work. Embracing the underdog role brought him joy as he relished proving doubters wrong.

According to a touching statement by the Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, “Jason Kelce’s impact on the organization, the City of Philadelphia, and the fans is truly indescribable.” “When I say everything he did for us in his 13 years here,” He said. He never had any pretense about what he was doing; it was all sincere. Jason was one of those players who were not only an exceptional football player but he could have been a future Hall of Famer anywhere. The bond between him, the city, and the team was truly special.”

Coach Jeff Stoutland respected to Eagles offensive line took it on social media to Motivate towards Kelce.

“Jason some of my most cherished coaching memories are from over 11 seasons working right alongside you. I am so proud that you’ve become such a quality player and that when you walk away from this game someday your legacy will be cemented. We are really going to miss having you around. It’s been an honor and congratulations on such an outstanding career,” said Stoutland via X.

Playing in Philadelphia has been absolutely amazing.

During his press conference, Kelce spoke about everyone who helped him achieve a career that led him to the NFL Hall of Fame from his parents to his high school band teacher to Reid and Sirianni to Stoutland.

Kelce also discussed what playing in “the most passionate sports town in America” is like for him and his brother.

“Poetically, my career has been realized in the City of Brotherly Love,” stated Kelce. “I’ve known that relationship too.”

He then described what it means for an athlete to excel in Philadelphia.

“For guys like us, it can be tough here,” he said. “Some people struggle with this city – all those boos, the media pressure or our fans’ expectations. I count myself lucky to play for the most passionate sports city in America. The eagerness of this town is infectious and leads our organization over its edge – they take risks, solve problems, work like dogs just so they get a win!”

Here’s more on what Kelce had to say about playing football in Philadelphia.

“There are moments when you do not enjoy being an athlete ᅳ especially if you are new here ᅳ but as soon as you have gone through it enough times you come to appreciate it.” No other place honors their own like Philadelphia does. Even athletes who have played there for years become gods on earth when they wore an Eagles’ uniform back then. The Eagles are the biggest show in town; they’re all anyone talks.