When the season ended for the Philadelphia Eagles, many assumed it was also the end for the future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce. In fact, even Sports Illustrated, which does not release content without being very thorough, put out an article saying that Jason Kelce would retire. NFL insiders like Adam Schefter and the NFL Network reported the news as final.
As Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, sweetheart!”
Reports coming out today are suggesting that not only were the reports incorrect, but there is a good chance that Jason Kelce will end up coming back for another year.
Kelce’s Actions Led to Reports of Retirement
Following the first-round loss in the NFL Playoffs against the Buccaneers Jason Kelce was spotted tearing up on the sideline. He also declined to give any comments to the press. Historically, when players do that, it normally means they are done and stepping away from the game. There were also reports that he had spoken with multiple teammates and had told them that he was leaving as well.
Later, Jason Kelce was seen partying and celebrating at Chiefs games, cheering on his brother Travis. The media ran with this as post-retirement life, but in reality, it may have just been Jason Kelce being Jason Kelce.
An emotional Jason Kelce finds his family in the stands postgame 💚 pic.twitter.com/nIJxKDHpxA
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Actions Since the Final Game
Jason Kelce has kept the door open the past few weeks on returning for at least one more season. Back on February 6th, a video went viral when Jason Kelce told a fan that he wouldn’t try to retire. This seemed to at least open the door back open from the forgone conclusion that he was leaving.
More recently, when on the Superfly podcast with Bryan Fonseca of the New York Post he said the following:
“I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out right now. Right now, exploring different opportunities if I end up retiring… [I’m} still working out and staying in shape if I end up playing again.”
With his unique personality and brand, he would have no issue finding another side job, whether that be in working in broadcasting or becoming a media personality. There have been reports that Kelce has met with Fox and ESPN to discuss potential broadcasting deals.
Regardless, the assumption that Kelce is stepping away from the game is not a done deal, and the more time goes by, the more likely it seems that he will return for his 14th season.
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