Shortly after 1 PM on Monday afternoon, Jason Kelce launched into a 41-minute speech that reverberated beyond the sports landscape. Eagles fans in Philadelphia and throughout the world were wracked with emotion watching one of the most beloved players in franchise history bid farewell to the game in such a passionate, eloquent way that only No. 62 could.
But it wasn't just Eagles fans who were touched by Kelce's retirement announcement.
Of course, there were his current and former coaches and teammates.
Jason,
— Jeff Stoutland (@CoachStoutland) March 4, 2024
Some of my fondest coaching moments have been by your side these past 11 seasons. I’m so proud of the player you’ve worked to become and legacy you’ve built. I will miss having you by my side. It’s been my honor & I congratulate you on an incredible career.
Stout out pic.twitter.com/l5fYsHCjPw
The road goes on forever & the party never ends. @JasonKelce pic.twitter.com/4d7ZLZE8Ng
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) March 5, 2024
Not “an” underdog. The Underdog. https://t.co/lx1L18PX9H
— DIG B0ston. (@BostonScott2) March 4, 2024
March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend!
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
🦅Legend, @JasonKelce thank you and congratulations🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Nakobe Dean🔝🔜 (@NakobeDean) March 4, 2024
I honestly don’t think you understand the impact you had on your teammates for the past 13 years.
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) March 4, 2024
I wouldn’t be the player I am without you and we would not have had the success without you; and that’s not even talking about your on-field talent.
Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/bSCldHeDxY
Congrats to my good friend @JasonKelce on a legendary career. Had the crew over @greenlight but together a highlight tape of some of your best reps from 2023. I think this tape really shows your unique athleticism and how versatile you are as a player! 🫶 pic.twitter.com/X4FOhLVW6U
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 4, 2024
Emotional from the heart retirement speech from the great @JasonKelce We didn’t play a long time together, he was a great player and even better person.
— Michael Vick (@MichaelVick) March 4, 2024
His shotgun snaps were insanely fast and hard. #nastyplayer@Eagles @GoBearcatsFB @tkelce @ProFootballHOF @newheightshow pic.twitter.com/H9aLvTYs7k
.@CutOnDime25 gives his thoughts on Jason Kelce retiring.
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) March 4, 2024
“Kelce needs a statue outside… I’ve never seen a center as good as him since I left Philadelphia.” pic.twitter.com/2iInGkVGYU
Congrats to Jason Kelce on retiring after a fantastic career!!
— Stefen Wisniewski (@stefenwiz61) March 4, 2024
It was an honor to play next to him for three years, and to win a Super Bowl with him. He was a great teammate, passionate, smart, tough, a great leader, and a great football player.
Best of luck in retirement!! pic.twitter.com/3Gl8ZEkGwp
Legendary career, brother! It was an honor to play alongside you. Enjoy retirement!! No one deserves it more https://t.co/LWuFb9yxUK
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) March 5, 2024
If you look up any meaningful or substantial offensive statistic in @Eagles history, @JasonKelce was there for it. pic.twitter.com/OF6MdYaPvO
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) March 5, 2024
The other Philly sports teams showed their appreciation.
Cheers to one heck of a career. 💚
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 4, 2024
Thank you for everything you've done for Philly, @JasonKelce. Best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/1hRhefvz1d
congratulations on a legendary career @JasonKelce! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZ4abQP9KD
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 4, 2024
https://t.co/Qk21fQdLsd pic.twitter.com/eADy8wupY5
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 4, 2024
A Philly and @NFL legend forever.
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) March 4, 2024
Enjoy your retirement, @JasonKelce!#DOOP | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Fa6XMV6g8m
Even that team with the other Kelce took notice.
You never played for us, but you're still family. The game is going to miss you @JasonKelce ❤️
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 5, 2024
Congratulations on a legendary career! pic.twitter.com/xqfnLc96iI
You know Kelce is headed to the Hall of Fame when you see this ...
Now that Philadelphia Eagles star center @JasonKelce has announced his retirement, the year 2029 is worth noting. pic.twitter.com/WVsivlIHAW
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) March 4, 2024
Speaking of Hall of Famers ...
Congratulations bro!! One of the best to ever do it! With loads of leadership, athleticism & a unique style, all of your own!! 👊🏾😎 #TheyDontLikeUsAndWeDontCare#Legendary https://t.co/0CxIa8Ynce
— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) March 4, 2024
Jason Kelce retired at the right time. He has carved his place among the best and most successful athletes in Philadelphia history. He will be a success in whichever endeavor he pursues.
— Merrill Reese (@mreeseeagles) March 5, 2024
Jason Kelce is one of the finest men I have ever met!
— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) March 4, 2024
Football loses a great player.
Society gains a great leader.
Best of luck my friend!
One of the Birds best!! Congratulations on an amazing career!!
— Eric Allen (@EricAllen619) March 4, 2024
Go Birds!! https://t.co/RWL9dca1sd
Congratulations Jason Kelce on an incredible 13-yr career. Much respect for the way you did it week after week, year after year. It was an honor to watch you play👊🏼
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) March 4, 2024
Congratulations @JasonKelce on an incredible career on the football field. Looking forward to your next chapter off the field. We have not seen the last of you that’s for damn sure 👍🏾👍🏾
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) March 5, 2024
pic.twitter.com/HowQisFH6i
Of course, with Kelce being a celebrity ...
They don’t make em any better than #62. Thanks for the memories big guy https://t.co/7Mp6uKou8O
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) March 4, 2024
Thank you, @JasonKelce! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/qYHGf0tPOi
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 5, 2024
Job well done my brother !!! A true Philly Icon forever !! Thanks for the ride @JasonKelce !! Enjoy a well deserved retirement - you've set a standard for being an Eagle !! @Eagles https://t.co/KFUL0e86mQ
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) March 4, 2024
This is a Hall of Fame retirement speech from Jason Kelce. The man knows how to connect to everyone by simply being comfortable with himself.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 4, 2024
But having the First Lady of the United States (a big Eagles fan, of course) chime in ...
Congratulations on a legendary career, @JasonKelce. 🦅 https://t.co/Vv87vj4Ldw
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) March 5, 2024
