Jason Kelce, the legendary center for the Philadelphia Eagles, has officially retired from the NFL, and for a very unusual reason, he can’t come out of retirement even if he wanted to—he’s simply too skinny!
Life After Retirement
Kelce ended his remarkable 13-season career with the Eagles last March. The franchise made it clear that the door was always open for their beloved center, granting him indefinite access to the team’s facilities in retirement. Since then, Kelce has become a near-constant presence at the Eagles’ training camp, taking on an almost assistant coach-like role.
“He just won’t go home, man. I’m kidding. It’s great to have him around. He’s obviously loved around this building by every single person. He’s always welcome out here with Kylie and his kids,” said left guard Landon Dickerson.
Kelce’s daily presence at the facility, aside from a brief trip to Paris for the Olympics, has sparked speculation among fans and media about a possible return to the field. However, despite the whispers of a comeback, Kelce’s return to the Eagles is not in the cards.
The Weight Factor
During his playing career, Jason Kelce maintained a playing weight of 295 pounds. Post-retirement, he has slimmed down to 275 pounds and aims to reach his target weight of 260 pounds. This weight loss is not just a matter of personal health; it’s a practical necessity for Kelce, who has been known to suffer from arthritis.
“They’re not going to call me to come back at 260 pounds,” Kelce remarked.
Even at 295 pounds, Kelce was considered undersized for his position. At his current weight, the physical demands of playing center in the NFL would be too great.
A New Role for Cam Jurgens
With Kelce’s departure, the Eagles are looking to Cam Jurgens to fill the void. Jurgens, drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has spent the last two years learning from Kelce, who even played a role in selecting Jurgens as his successor.
“I’m moving on to the next thing and I’m excited to watch Cam. I really think Cam is going to be tremendous this year. He’s going to really show people how great of a player he is. He was good for us last year at right guard and he’s going to flourish at center,” Kelce said.
Jurgens is expected to take over the starting center role, and Kelce’s confidence in his protégé suggests a smooth transition for the team.
The End of an Era
For fans still holding out hope for a Kelce comeback, his own words offer a definitive answer:
“My days of playing are just done and I do not foresee any scenario taking place other than maybe medicine inventing a way to get rid of arthritis that I would ever entertain coming back at all anymore.”
Kelce’s career with the Eagles has been marked by leadership, resilience, and a deep connection with the city of Philadelphia. As he steps into a new chapter of his life, Kelce is set to join the Monday Night Football crew on ESPN and continues to co-host the ‘New Heights’ podcast with his brother, Travis Kelce.
Jason Kelce’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era for the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans. His commitment to the game and the team is unmatched, and while his playing days are over, his legacy in Philadelphia is secure. As Cam Jurgens steps up to fill the role, the Eagles and their fans can look forward to a new chapter with the promise of continued success.
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