At least one member of the Eagles’ ‘Core Four’ will not be in place for the 2024 season. Center Jason Kelce informed his teammates after Monday night’s loss that he is retiring, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Retirement questions are nothing new for the 36-year-old, and his playing future was in the air leading up to Super Bowl LVII. Kelce wound up on the wrong side of that contest, but he announced one month later that he intended to return for at least one more campaign. A new contract was then worked out, and he played out the year at a slight raise compared to what he would have otherwise made.
That one-year, $14.25MM pact came with the understanding Kelce may very well retire at the end of the current season. The Eagles appeared to be on their way to another deep playoff run through much of the 2023 campaign, but things took a significant turn for the worse down the stretch. Counting Monday’s lopsided loss to Tampa Bay, Philadelphia closed out the season losing six of seven games, and changes in the lineup and potentially on the sidelines will be coming.
Regardless of the circumstances, Kelce’s decision to hang up his cleats will leave a massive vacancy in the middle of the team’s offensive line and in the locker room. As a rookie in 2011, the former sixth-rounder took on full-time starting duties and never relinquished them over the course of his 13-year career. All 193 regular season games he played in, along with 12 in the playoffs, came with Philadelphia. Kelce established a reputation as one of the best centers not only of his generation but of all time throughout his tenure.
The Cincinnati alum earned seven Pro Bowl nods, including one in each of the past five years. Kelce was also named first-team All-Pro a total of five times. Only four other centers have matched that feat, and each of them – Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson and Jim Ringo – are in the Hall of Fame. Kelce will no doubt join them in Canton after following through with his decision to hang up his cleats.
Kelce’s career comes to an end with not only a number of personal accolades but also team success. He was a key member of the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning squad, and that remained the case for last season’s trip to another title game. Kelce delivered consistent performances over the course of his career, earning a PFF grade of 80.2 or higher eight times. His lengthy track record of success culminated in more than $85MM in career earnings.
Cam Jurgens – drafted last season as Kelce’s successor – will likely move to C in 2024 after starting full-time at right guard this season. That transition will be notable given the long stretch since anyone other than Kelce manned the position and the substantial expectations Jurgens will face as his replacement. Meanwhile, it will also be worth watching what fellow mainstays Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham decide with respect to their playing futures.
RIP tush push.
Especially now that teams realize you can just pull the QB back by the face mask.
What the heck happened to the Eagles? The last thing I saw drop that far that fast was the housing market. Or a Justin Fields pass.
You must’ve been around in 07-08 cuz it’s been a while
The face mask pull that wasn’t called was well after he was stopped….it had nothing to do with their failure on 4th down….he wasn’t going to get that yard anyway……and exactly how many times not only this season but last, did Kelci get away with pushing the ball prior to the snap forward at least 1/2 yard to make the push lots easier?
Good career, amazingly durable
A legend. Thankfully Cam is in place to replace him
Hof
Won a ring
More time for the podcast and making songs
Should have a kelce and kelce thursday night thing like we do the Peyton and Eli thing on Monday night
Is there podcast that good? I haven’t listened to it.
It’s pretty entertaining. They joke around a lot tell stories and just give each other a hard time. Sometimes Jason brings his family and kids on.
Jason Kelce you are a legend! you are going to be sorely missed and not just on the field because you’re a Hall of Famer but in the locker room. and you know there was some locker room crap this year that’s slowly going to leak out just how bad it was throughout the offseason. I wish you would come back for one more year because I don’t want to see a legend like yourself go out as poorly as you did. I don’t mean you played poorly cuz you’re normal Beast of a self it’s just how feeble this team came for racously all at once after starting 10-1 going to miss you badly
Future eagles oline coach if he ever wants to get into coaching
Phenomenal career
Great guy and great player. If this year’s eagles team and head coach had his heart and care to win and overcome challenges, they’d have snapped out of the funk they choose to wallow in after going 10-1. Maybe fire Siriani and ask him to be the HC or make him the OC if they choose one more yr of and inept HC in Siriani.
Jim Irsay is that you?
No, lol but unlike Jeff Saturday, Kelce’s status is current, he’s known respected and relevant. He will have a nice job with the team when/if he wants and is ready. He could probably be a host or co host on a local Philly radio station.
Amazing career. Beginning of the end for the Eagles sadly…
The beginning of the end was 7 weeks ago. They’ve been exposed as frauds.
His Last Tush Push failed….thus ends the reason to continue. Finally, someone figured out that if you go lower than the Center, it stops the movement forward.
And pull the QB back by the helmet.
Again, the face mask happened after any forward momentum was stopped……the officials missed it, but kind of evens up how many times Kelci has pushed the ball forward at least 1/2 yard prior to the snap making the push the last 2 seasons much more attainable…..get over it…..
There must be some way we can blame this on Taylor Swift.
Not a shocker sadly.
He was simply the best. Thanks for the memories and good luck !
Last time I saw him at the Tire Store,
He was strongly considering an upgrade to
MICHELINS
as he ventures to RE-TIRE.
sign with the chiefs for one more year.
Creed Humphrey is one of the top Centers in the AFC. Jason would have been a great fit if KC hadn’t drafted Creed. I think he’s played his last game.
Humble warrior basically the second coming of Dermonti Dawson one of the best to play the position
I just read an article on NBC sports Philadelphia and said he hasnt made his mind up and NEVER TOLD THE TEAM after the loss Monday night that hes retiring. while I do believe that he’s still more likely to retire than not retire, that gives me a little bit of Hope that he still going to be around next year. since he’s still at the top of his game I’m hoping he decides not to let the end of his career and like the mess the end of the season was. come on Jason one more year please!
All over the NY Post that he never said he was retiring…..guess all those teared up eyes of the Eagles faithful who have commented here can dry up now…..