For 13 years, Jason Kelce donned the gear, snapped the ball, and anchored offensive lines in the NFL with a consistency and tenacity rarely seen. But as of March, Kelce stepped away from the gridiron, concluding a career that will indisputably see him enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.
A Distinguished Career
Throughout his time in the league, Kelce wasn't merely a participant but a dominant force. The former center for the Philadelphia Eagles earned six First Team All-Pro selections, a feat that places him among the NFL's all-time greats. In fact, Kelce stands alone as the only center since the NFL-AFL merger to have six First Team All-Pro selections coupled with a Super Bowl title. To put that into context, the only other centers in history to achieve six All-Pro nods are legends like Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermontti Dawson, and Jim Ringo—all of whom have been immortalized in the Hall of Fame.
Battling Through Injuries
However, Kelce's journey was far from smooth. The physical toll of a decade-plus in the trenches left him with no shortage of battle scars. "I've reconstructed my right knee twice," Kelce revealed. His injury history doesn’t stop there; he also had to undergo groin and hand surgeries during his illustrious career.
It’s a testament to Kelce's resilience and dedication that he performed at such a high level despite these surgeries. In his final NFL season, an injury-plagued Kelce still managed to be named a First Team All-Pro for the sixth time, underscoring his unparalleled skill and determination.
Life After Football
Walking away from the game has not meant stepping away from the spotlight for Kelce. He has transitioned into a burgeoning broadcasting career, another arena where his charisma and football IQ promise to shine. Still, retirement has also given him the freedom to focus on something else: his health. For much of his NFL career, Kelce tipped the scales at a formidable 295 pounds. But he has already started shedding some of that weight.
“I weighed 295 for the majority of my NFL career, and I look forward to losing some of those pounds,” Kelce shared. The benefits of this weight loss are already apparent. “Right now, I'm about 277. I'm almost 20 pounds down right now. But my back already feels better. My knees already feel better,” he added. “So another 20 pounds, hopefully, will make that much more adept at playing with my children.”
A Balanced Approach
Kelce isn't in a rush to lose weight indiscriminately, though. He discussed his goals in detail, showing a balanced approach to post-NFL life: “I don't want to get too small. I think a lot of guys, especially offensive linemen, they lose too much weight, and then they look like bobbleheads because their neck gets so small, but their head stays the same size.” It's clear he has put thought into this transition, understanding the importance of both physical health and maintaining a certain presence.
“So for me, I feel like for some reason, 250 to 260 feels like I'll be still big and be happy with the way I look without having a six-pack. But I'll still be able to have that stature a little bit,” Kelce explained. This approach not only prioritizes his health and comfort but also allows him to maintain a physical presence that feels right to him.
The Road Ahead
As Kelce transitions from player to broadcaster, from a robust 295 pounds to a more agile frame, he embodies the spirit of adaptability and resilience. NFL fans will no doubt miss seeing him on Sundays, but they can take solace in knowing that his voice will continue to be part of the football narrative.
Jason Kelce's legacy is already cemented in the annals of NFL history. His name will one day grace the halls of Canton, Ohio, alongside the greats who came before him. In the meantime, Kelce is crafting a new chapter—one that allows him to stay connected to the sport he loves while finally giving his body the respite it so richly deserves.