Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has addressed reports that he is retiring.
Jason explained in the latest episode of the New Heights podcast that he shares with brother Travis, that Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni allowed him to address the team regarding his future following the team losing to the Tampa Bay Bucs in the Wild Card round.
Despite what ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated, the All-Pro center said there was “too much emotion in the moment” after the game to grasp the decision to retire.
“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media,” Jason said to his brother and podcast co-host, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, amid reports he told teammates.
“… I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision, I just don’t, there’s too much emotion in the moment, there’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”
His message comes after rumors arose that he told his teammates he was retiring after the Eagles suffered a 9-32 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jason, who has spent his entire 13-year career in Philadelphia, noted he’s “not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out.”
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“When it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I’ve had, and I don’t think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that,” the 36-year-old Super Bowl champion said.
“Frustated, I guess, at everything that’s happening, but in the future there will be something said, I guess, but I did address the team and pretty much said the same thing I just said to you, which is I got belief in every single one of you guys, cherish the moments you have in this league, I think it’s kind of the way it went down.”
Following the loss to the Bucs, Jason was seen looking visibly upset on the Eagles’ sideline as the season came to an end.
The seven-time Pro Bowler was seen hugging his longtime offensive line coach and greeting his family, including his wife Kylie, in the stands at Raymond James Stadium.
Travis Kelce is getting ready to play in another game as the Chiefs advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs following a win over the Dolphins Saturday.
He added: “We’ll all be on the edge of our f–king seat waiting on what decision you end up making, big guy, I promise you that.”
