JUST IN: Philadelphia eagles football Key player announces medical retirement………

Eagles center Jason Kelce intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons, AP sources say

Associated Press Jan 16, 2024 Updated Jan 16, 2024 0
APTOPIX Eagles Buccaneers Football
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce walks off the field following a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday’s NFC wild-card in Tampa, Fla.

PHILADELPHIA — Jason Kelce stood on the sideline in tears as the final seconds ticked off in his likely final NFL game. Kelce embraced his long-time offensive line coach. He removed his helmet once the game ended — a Philadelphia Eagles loss that completed a harrowing season-ending collapse — and extended his hand to his wife and his father in the stands.

What Kelce knew then — what the gregarious center couldn’t bring himself to say when he declined to speak to the media in the aftermath of the defeat — was that his football career was over.

The 36-year-old Kelce has waivered on retirement over the last few seasons. Coach Nick Sirianni added to Kelce’s lore by shipping a keg of beer to the center’s home to entice him to return in 2022.

He has been the heart of the Eagles, a hero on the Philadelphia sports scene, a Super Bowl champion. But after 13 seasons, 156 straight starts and six All-Pro Team selections, Kelce has told teammates he intends to retire, three people informed of the decision told The Associated Press.

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They spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday out of respect for Kelce’s decision, which he has not yet made public.

“The goat!!!. Appreciate ya big time,” Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. wrote on social media.

Kelce could explain his decision as early as Wednesday, when the next episode of the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — boyfriend of pop star Taylor Swift — was expected to drop. The brothers played each other last season in the Super Bowl that was won by the Chiefs.

“I love him. Yeah, obviously we’re not there at that position yet, ready to talk about that, but he’s special and I love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said after a 32-9 loss to Tampa Bay. “He’s one of the most special guys I’ve been around. He’s always got a place here and always want him to play.”

The burly, bushy-haired and bearded Kelce has been a stalwart of the offensive line since he was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft out of Cincinnati. He turned into an Iron Man after he missed most of the 2012 season with a partially torn MCL and torn ACL.

Kelce’s credentials go far beyond football. He’s a podcast co-host. He was the subject of the “Kelce” documentary. Heck, Kelce was even named one of People magazine’s Sexiest Men for 2023, alongside Timothée Chalamet and Jamie Foxx.

“He’s a legend in the city. Really in the league,” said Eagles quarterback Hurts said. “I don’t want to do a disservice to him and the things he’s been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn’t come easy. It’s been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I’ve been here it’s been, are you going to come back? But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I’ve learned from him. He’ll forever have a special place in my heart.”

Commanders Peters Football
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, left, speaks after introducing new general manager Adam Peters, right, during a press conference on Tuesday in Ashburn, Va.

Luis M. Alvarez, Associated Press
BRIEFLY
COMMANDERS: New Washington general manager Adam Peters is already at work trying to find a coach. A group led by Peters and owner Josh Harris is expected to hire a replacement for Ron Rivera within the next few weeks. Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, and Baltimore Ravens assistant coach Mike Macdonald are among the likeliest candidates. Peters says he’s looking for a good leader and communicator.

SEAHAWKS: The process of finding Pete Carroll’s replacement starts Wednesday when Seattle general manager John Schneider is expected to have the first of several virtual interviews. Dallas DC Dan Quinn, Detroit OC Ben Johnson, and Los Angeles Rams DC Raheem Morris are expected to interview for the job.

SAINTS: New Orleans fired OC Pete Carmichael Jr. along with senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell and receivers coach Kodi Burns. Coach Dennis Allen said the changes were necessary to move forward. The Saints ranked 14th overall in yards per game, but the offense often stagnated in critical situations during the first 12 games of the season.

GIANTS: New York hired Joel Thomas as its new running backs coach and Aaron Wellman as its executive director of player performance. The team announced the appointments Tuesday, the second and third hires since Brian Daboll shook up his staff after missing the playoffs with a 6-11 record.

BILLS: Mother Nature might not be through complicating Buffalo’s playoff schedule. Coach Sean McDermott said the team, for now, is still scheduled to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, while monitoring a forecast that projects dumping nearly two feet of snow.