Travis Kelce Thinks Jason Kelce Can Wait To Retire If He 'Want' To
Travis Kelce thinks his big brother, Jason Kelcecould continue playing football if that is his goal.
“It's been cool to see everyone over the last week appreciating who he's been over the years,” Travis, 34, said in a Kansas City Chiefs game. press conference on Friday, January 19. “I think the big man still has some football left if he wants it.”
Travis noted that Jason's possible retirement had been a hot topic following his brother's emotional reaction to the Philadelphia Eagles' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, January 15, which knocked the Birds out of the playoffs. Following the heartbreaking defeat, reports emerged that Jason, 36, told his teammates he was retiring, but that was not the case.
“It turns out he was retired, but he didn't really say anything about that,” Travis explained on Friday. “I think everyone felt a little bit for him at the end of that game, knowing what he was thinking about [retirement] a lot over the past few years. The documentary shows that you don't have to walk around and ask someone.”
Jason Kelce has been a fixture on the Philadelphia Eagles offense for more than a decade, but he's realistic about the idea of retirement. Kelce was drafted in 2011 and became the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 regular season games at center. He helped the Eagles to their first ever Super […]
For his part, Jason cleared the air on the Wednesday, Jan. 17, episode of his and Travis' “New Heights” podcast about those retirement rumors.
“I didn't announce what I was doing on purpose… but people can sense body language and stuff,” Jason noted. “I just don't think after a match like that you're really in a position to really make that decision, I just don't. There is too much emotion in the moment, too much happening in that moment to really fully understand that decision.”
The Eagles center explained that when he decides to officially retire, he wants to do so on his own terms.
“It's just something that I think when the time comes to officially announce what's going to happen in the future, it will be done in a way that is definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals who have meant a lot to me and what led to the career I've had,” he explained. “I don't think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a match like that. … Something will be said in the future, I think.”
Jason Kelce appears ready for retirement after thirteen years in the NFL. Kelce, 36, reportedly told his teammates he was retiring after the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. After the loss, Jason seemed emotionally on the sidelines, as did his wife […]
In addition to discussing his football future, Jason talked about how “frustrating” it was that the Eagles season ended on an emotional note.
“I love everyone in that building so much, all the teammates, all those coaches. You put a lot of hard work into it, you really do, and if it doesn't work out… it's a big collapse,” Jason shared. “Started 10-1 and ended up losing six of our last seven games. …A rough way to finish her off this year.”
Travis admitted on the podcast that it was “tough” to see his brother's team end their season that way — especially as part of the Kelce family.
“I think everyone in the football world felt this,” Travis said. “Obviously there are a lot of emotions at the end of this match for you guys, but I can relate because I felt it. I know Kylie, mom, dad, everyone who was at the game felt it. And I know all the friends and family I got texts from… they all felt it, man.”