Jason Kelce Eagles press conference | Today at 1pm
Summary
TLDRIn an emotional farewell, Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles after an illustrious 13-season career. He shared heartfelt anecdotes, thanking coaches, teammates, and the city of Philadelphia for their unwavering support. Kelce's speech encapsulated his journey from a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati to becoming an iconic figure in Philadelphia sports. He expressed gratitude to those who believed in him, particularly Jeff Stoutland, crediting him for reviving his career after a challenging 2016 season. Kelce's speech resonated with the city's passion for sports and the deep bonds he formed with his brother, Travis Kelce, and his family.
Takeaways
- ๐ Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL after a legendary 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, including a Super Bowl championship.
- ๐ Kelce paid tribute to the many coaches, teammates, staff members, and family members who played pivotal roles in his success and personal growth throughout his journey.
- ๐ฆ He expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the passionate Philadelphia fan base, which embraced him despite initial struggles and inspired him to greater heights.
- ๐ช Kelce's determination to prove doubters wrong and his unwavering work ethic, instilled from a young age, were driving forces behind his remarkable achievements.
- ๐ The 2017 season marked a turning point for Kelce, where he overcame adversity with the guidance of coach Jeff Stoutland and had his finest season, leading to numerous accolades.
- ๐ซ Kelce credited his wife, Kylie, for bringing out the best in him and providing love, support, and motivation throughout his career's prime years.
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ฆ He acknowledged the profound influence of his parents, who instilled values of hard work, belief, and perseverance from an early age.
- ๐ค Kelce highlighted the unique bond he shared with his brother, Travis Kelce, as they motivated and supported each other's dreams and aspirations.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ His iconic victory speech after the Super Bowl win encapsulated the spirit of Philadelphia and resonated deeply with the city's passionate fan base.
- ๐ Kelce expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles organization throughout his career.
Q & A
What was the key turning point in Jason Kelce's career?
-According to Kelce, the biggest turning point in his career was when the then-new head coach Brian Kelly brought in strength coach Paul Longo, who suggested that Kelce would make a great center. This position change ended up being the single greatest move that ever happened to him as a football player.
How did Jason Kelce describe his experience playing in Philadelphia?
-Kelce said that playing in Philadelphia was a great blessing, as it is the most passionate sports town in America. He appreciated the sense of urgency and the way the fans pushed the organization to win, even though the criticism could be tough at times. However, he stated that if you show effort, aggression, and desire, the fans will love you.
What role did Jeff Stoutland play in Jason Kelce's success?
-Kelce credited Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach, as being the most influential and meaningful person to his success on the field. Stoutland believed in Kelce during his struggles in the 2016 season and worked with him to fix his technique and fundamentals, which led to Kelce's finest season in 2017.
How did Jason Kelce describe his relationship with his brother, Travis Kelce?
-Jason Kelce spoke fondly of his relationship with his brother Travis, saying they did almost everything together, competing, fighting, laughing, and crying. He credited the bond they shared as making him stronger, tougher, and smarter, and teaching him values like cooperation, loyalty, patience, and understanding.
What did Jason Kelce say about his wife, Kylie?
-Kelce said that meeting his wife Kylie was life-changing, and he knew right away that he loved her. He credited her with bringing out the best in him through her love, devotion, support, honesty, and intelligence, and said that all his accolades came after she entered his life.
How did Jason Kelce describe his parents' influence on his life?
-Kelce spoke highly of his parents, saying his father instilled in him an unwavering belief and love, while his mother taught him to never let anyone tell him what he couldn't do. He credited his parents' work ethic and determination as shaping his own mentality and drive.
What memorable moments from his career did Jason Kelce mention?
-Kelce mentioned several memorable moments, including the Eagles' Super Bowl win, the "Philly Special" play call, the Eagles' first game under Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense, and playing in a blizzard against the Detroit Lions. He also talked about the impact of teammate Garrett Reid's passing and the outpouring of support that followed.
How did Jason Kelce describe his journey from being a walk-on to becoming an NFL star?
-Kelce spoke about being a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati and having to fight harder for opportunities than the rest of the team. He talked about redefining what hard work meant and pushing himself to areas of fatigue he didn't know he had, which prepared him for his NFL career.
What did Jason Kelce say about his future plans after retiring?
-While Kelce didn't provide specific details about his future plans, he said that he looked forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await him, and that he carries with him the lessons from his time with the Eagles forever.
How did Jason Kelce describe the camaraderie and diversity within an NFL locker room?
-Kelce spoke about the remarkable melting pot of geographic locations, economic backgrounds, races, body types, personalities, and athletic traits in an NFL locker room. He said that despite their differences, they all relied on and respected one another, knowing that they were stronger together.
Outlines
๐ Jason Kelce's Retirement Announcement
The script introduces Jason Kelce, an NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, announcing his retirement after 13 seasons and 193 games. Barrett Brooks, a former player, joins the discussion and reflects on the significance of Kelce's retirement and the impact it will have on his life after football. The script also highlights Kelce's draft history and his journey from being a late-round pick to becoming a pillar of the Eagles organization.
โฝ Kelce's Early Love for Football
Kelce reminisces about his first experience with football at the age of 12, recalling the intensity, camaraderie, and visceral feeling of playing the game. He expresses his love for football, whether playing in his backyard, on the playground, or suiting up for his high school team. The paragraph introduces key figures who influenced Kelce's early football journey, including his high school coaches and other mentors.
๐ซ College Years and Transition to Offensive Line
The paragraph details Kelce's college years at the University of Cincinnati, where he initially joined as a walk-on linebacker. It highlights the challenges he faced as a walk-on and the pivotal moment when strength coach Paul Longo suggested he move to the offensive line. Kelce expresses gratitude to the coaches who helped shape his career, including Paul Longo, Jeff Quinn, Brian Kelly, Mark Antonio, and others.
๐ฆ Beginning of Kelce's NFL Career with the Eagles
This paragraph focuses on Kelce's transition to the NFL after being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round. It mentions his agent, Jason Bernstein, predicting a perfect fit for Kelce in Philadelphia. Kelce expresses gratitude to the four head coaches he played under โ Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Peterson, and Nick Sirianni โ and highlights key figures like Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, and Domo Dandro who contributed to his success.
๐ Unforgettable Moments with the Eagles
Kelce shares a series of unforgettable moments from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, including draft day memories, the intensity of Chip Kelly's first game, the snowy game against the Detroit Lions, Carson Wentz's injury, and the historic Super Bowl victory. He vividly recounts the emotions and significance of these events, emphasizing the team's resilience and the city's passion for the Eagles.
๐๏ธ The Brotherly Bond and Philly's Passionate Fanbase
Kelce reflects on the conflicted feelings of immense pride and heartbreak when facing his brother, Travis Kelce, in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He expresses gratitude for the bond they share and how it shaped his character. Kelce then praises the passionate fanbase in Philadelphia, acknowledging their unwavering support and the city's sports culture, which demanded effort, aggression, and a willingness to fight.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Kelce's Family and Upbringing
In this emotional section, Kelce pays tribute to his family, including his wife, Kylie, whom he credits for bringing out the best in him and supporting his career. He expresses deep gratitude to his parents, Ed and Donna, for their unwavering belief, love, and support throughout his journey. Kelce highlights the values instilled by his parents, such as hard work, determination, and never letting anyone dictate what he can't do.
๐ค Gratitude to Teammates and the Brotherhood
Kelce expresses profound gratitude to his teammates, whom he considers his brothers. He cherishes the diverse backgrounds and personalities that made up the locker room and the camaraderie they shared. Kelce also recalls meeting his wife, Kylie, at an Eagles Christmas party in 2014, a pivotal moment that changed his life.
๐ฅ Fueled by Doubters and the Pursuit of Excellence
Kelce reflects on the role of doubters in fueling his fire and determination throughout his career. He shares his mother's advice that whenever someone told him he couldn't do something, it only motivated him further. Kelce embraces the mentality of an underdog, relishing the opportunity to prove others wrong and striving for excellence.
๐ Farewell to Philadelphia and Thanks
In a heartfelt conclusion, Kelce expresses his profound gratitude to the city of Philadelphia and its fans for embracing him and allowing him to represent them every Sunday. He reflects on the privilege of playing his entire career in one city and the bond he shares with Philadelphians. Kelce acknowledges the uncertainty of what's next but looks forward to new challenges and opportunities, carrying with him the lessons from his time in Philadelphia.
๐ Kelce's Retirement Ceremony
The script concludes with a description of Kelce's retirement ceremony, where he bids farewell to media members, coaches, and team personnel with hugs and handshakes. It highlights the emotional scene as Kelce says goodbye to a legendary career, with tears and sustained embraces from his family members, including his brother Travis, wife Kylie, and parents Ed and Donna.
๐ฌ Barrett Brooks' Commentary
The script includes commentary from Barrett Brooks, a former player and analyst, who reflects on Kelce's retirement ceremony and the impact it will have on the Eagles organization. Brooks praises Kelce's speech, acknowledging its significance for both Kelce and the city of Philadelphia. He also discusses the challenges the Eagles will face in replacing Kelce and the importance of his leadership and understanding of the game.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กRetirement
๐กLegacy
๐กGratitude
๐กCamaraderie
๐กResilience
๐กPassion
๐กBrotherhood
๐กDetermination
๐กPerseverance
๐กFamily
Highlights
Jason Kelce recalls his first day in pads at 12 years old, when he fell in love with the intensity and physicality of football.
Kelce thanks his high school and college coaches for teaching him valuable lessons and putting up with his immaturity and cockiness.
Kelce credits strength coach Paul Longo for moving him to the offensive line, the single greatest move of his career.
Kelce expresses gratitude to the four head coaches he played for โ Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, Doug Pederson, and Nick Sirianni.
Kelce fondly remembers meeting his future wife, Kylie, at a bar in 2014, and credits her for bringing out the best in him.
Kelce thanks his father for instilling an unwavering belief in him and his brother, and his mother for teaching him never to let anyone tell him what he can't do.
Kelce announces his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kelce admits he was vastly overrated but relished the role of underdog, fueled by doubters throughout his career.
Kelce thanks the city of Philadelphia and its passionate fans for allowing him to represent them and welcoming him into their homes every Sunday.
Kelce expresses his gratitude to teammates, calling them his brothers, and cherishing the relationships and unique experiences in the NFL locker room.
Kelce recalls the 2017 season as the finest of his career, thanks to Jeff Stoutland's belief in him after a poor 2016 season.
Kelce shares a quote from Stoutland: "No man is an island; we must draw our strengths from others."
Kelce thanks Jeffrey Lurie for valuing employees and providing resources for them to thrive, both on and off the field.
Kelce fondly remembers the Eagles' Super Bowl victory, including the 'Philly Special' play call and Brandon Graham's game-sealing play.
Kelce expresses his appreciation for the city's passion and unconditional love, saying that if you love Philadelphia like a brother, they will love you back.
Transcripts
after 13 Seasons 193 games Jason Kelsey
will announce his retirement as an NFL
player his retirement from the
Philadelphia Eagles and that is a
weighty thought when you allow your mind
to drift back back to 2011 when Jason
Kelce was a 24 year-old out of the
University of Cincinnati when he was the
191st overall selection in the NFL draft
by The Eagles we bring in Barrett Brooks
who unfortunately you've been in this
situation before in your life my friend
and we're bringing a cantonian career to
a close your thoughts at this moment
about what this will mean it's it's
about standard of living is him
understanding that you know you can't
play Forever even though wants to play
Forever um he has a family I mean a big
thing his body the preparation that you
have to do and put your body under to go
into the next season you know those are
the things he's thinking about you know
relationships with his kids relationship
with his wife those are things that you
know they don't understand info players
have to think about and he's at a point
now where he has nothing else to prove
he's done it all he's won a Super Bowl
all be um he's he's been all world uh
for the past 10 years so for him to
think anything other other than all
right you know maybe I should hang him
up I mean I'm going say Well done with a
great career well done phenomenal career
Jason Kelsey wore number 60 at the
University of Cincinnati in an ironic
twist and of course number 60 for the
Philadelphia Eagles is retired it
belongs to the late great the Iron Man
himself Chuck berck and Jason Kelce will
no doubt send his number 62 into
retirement playing the same position
didn't play linebacker but he did play
center and he's going to send that
number into retirement as well Barrett
no question you know talking about you
know a guy that became a pillar you know
in Philadelphia sports I mean at this
point he could retire right now and two
years from now four years from now run
for mayor he's that iconic not just as a
guy on the field but me his speech you
know he's done everything you could do
as a pro it's time for him to start
another chapter in his life you know
whatever he wants to do whether he's you
know going to be on on TV or whatever
he's he's done just enough in his
lifetime that you know he didn't take
another breath he has been a great
individual as far as a player upstanding
citizen uh you know man of the people
great father husband he's done it all I
think man of the people really resonates
with everybody who would watch him play
and also watch him see him out in
Philadelphia Society whether he was
chugging a beer at the beach or he was
he was having fun out at the bar or uh
doing a charity work which he does and
and no security guard with him he's
walking around just him I mean whatever
he has on he may have on overalls no
shirt he's just one of those guys a
t-shirt flipflops and it's snowing
outside that's just guy he is you know
he's just one of those guys you can come
up and and and and really just just you
know come talk to him yeah very very
tangible as far as him reaching out and
and and and really being somebody that
people can connect with we should have
known perhaps
that this day was going to come today on
Monday because Jason's brother himself
an allpro himself a pro bowler Travis
Kelce is a reigning Super Bowl champ has
been in town got his haircut from Willis
the barber over the weekend with
legendary uh barber shop and and uh so
he's here he's not with Taylor Swift in
Singapore so you knew something had to
be up as I'm sure his wife Kylie their
three children his parents Ed and Donna
and Travis Kelce all in attendance today
at the NovaCare complex and this has got
to be I would think I don't know what it
was like for you when you decided that
you would no longer play NFL football
but it's a moment isn't it it definitely
is a moment you know Jason Kel has done
everything that you can want as an NFL
football player it's not you know it's
time for him to go on I mean his
family's here perfect situation and uh
enough with everybody talking about oh
you know he's handcuffing the team he's
not he's probably let him know way
before this they just wanted him to go
out his own way and and that's going out
the respect uh that he deserves with the
press conference you know us talking
about him you know those are the type of
things that he needed to to to settle
down and figure out himself you know
they gave him ample opportunity to do it
he let him know and now we're at this
point you know right after the combine
yeah when he came here in 2011 he was a
sixth round pick the
191st overall pick you were a second
round pick for goodness six and you were
a great player this guy is in the sixth
round out of the University of
Cincinnati he's supposedly undersized he
supposedly might not have the tools um
to be a full-time every down Center for
an NFL team and here we are what did it
for him what what were some of the
qualities that made him not just an
everyday player but a great player you
know what it's funny cuz um when he
first got to camp and I went back and I
did some research on him watch film on
him and I saw explosive he was but I
just thought he was undersized and not
ready for the NFL and uh you know when
they finally announced that you know
Jackson wasn't going to be starting and
that they were going to start this
rookie I'm like are you crazy he's going
to get annihilated he's going to get
murdered what do I know he comes back
plays well and I saw what they brought I
saw what he brought to the to the game
you know so definitely a great player
here is Jason Kelce walking into the
media room the theater here at the Nova
Care complex
and he will address the ass on his
future in football thanks for coming
guys we'll see how long this
lasts
not a good start there we
go there I
lay
come
on oh man this is going to be
long there I lay face up in the cool
morning's de covered grass waiting for a
whistle I knew would come at any second
knowing full well Anthony harell was a
couple yards away on the ground waiting
for the
same the foreign objects that rest upon
my shoulders and head weighed me down
and
unbalanced my awaiting
body
a
as the whistle blew I
arose turned all in one motion and ran
at my
teammate it isn't even the Collision I
remember
most but the feeling
before of what in the [ย __ย ] is about to
happen how is it going to feel will I
win
whenever I smell the clippings of a
freshly mowed
grass I am brought back to this
day I brought back to this
day 12 years
old
rockboro middle school first day in
pads I've been asked many times why did
I choose football What drew me to the
game and I never have an answer that
gets it
right the best way I can explain it is
what draws you to your favorite song
your favorite book it's what it makes
you
feel the seriousness of it the intensity
of it stepping on the field was the most
alive and free I had ever
felt there was a visceral feeling with
football unlike any other sport the
hairs would on my arms would stand
up the hairs on my arms would stand
up I could hit somebody run around like
a crazy lunatic and then get told good
job I love football whether it was in my
backyard with my
brother
on the playground with my friends or
suiting up on Friday nights at Cleveland
Heights High
School I love every I loved everything
about
it although I hadn't met him yet Jeff
Stalin often shares a quote his father
would tell
him more often than not the easy way is
the wrong
way football was hard much harder than
any sport I had ever played physically
and mentally and most other sports I was
bigger
faster stronger than everyone else on
the football field those traits were
matched on the lacrosse field I felt
like LeBron
James on the football field I was Billy
Hoy I loveed the challenge to football
was the joy of winning the agony of
defeat the anxiety of the unknown and
the
camaraderie
of my
teammates I'd like to thank my high
school football coaches Mike Jones Damen
creel Kahari Hicks and Gary roboli I
don't coach Robo you know who you are uh
my hockey coaches Kirk Gunther Steve
bogus and Eddie babcox and my lacrosse
coaches Felipe Gana and Ben
Beckman I'd also like to thank my band
teacher Brett Baker all of you to me
taught me countless lessons and put up
with a very young rambunctious kid that
was full of immaturity stupidity and
Cockiness I without would without
question not be where I am today without
your
efforts with me and the countless other
children you served in my brother and
I's Hometown Cleveland
Heights from Cleveland Heights I entered
the University of Cincinnati as a
walk-on as a linebacker I had no idea
what to expect but scenes from Rudy
would often raise him my
mind it became apparent immediately that
Walk-Ons would have to fight harder for
their opportunities than the rest of the
team I had no stars no investment from
the team or the coaches I'd have to earn
everything and that's good because I had
no clue what hard work was
yet knowing that I had to earn my
respect every day made me committed like
never
before in my first college weightlifting
session graduate assistant Jordan and
Roth put me through the hardest
weightlifting session I had ever been
through at the end of it he said if I
could walk around the perimeter of the
weight room holding my hands above my
head I could
leave um and if I couldn't hold my hands
above my head I'd have to stay and clean
the whole weight
room that entire year I found out later
that uh cleaning the weight room was
something I would get used
to that entire year I consider a
blessing anonio ran a tough program the
weight room was even tougher and I
redefined in my mind what working hard
actually
was they pushed me into areas of fatigue
I didn't know I had and for that
experience I am forever grateful to all
of them after red shirting my first year
marked Antonio left Cincinnati for
Michigan State and we hired upand
cominging head coach from Central
Michigan Brian
Kelly this turned out to be the biggest
turning point in my career not because
of Brian he he was great and we enjoyed
tremendous success together but because
he brought with him strength coach Paul
Longo two weeks into the winter workouts
Paul whispered to me in the middle of
warm-ups you'd make a great
Center I Shrugged it
off offensive line never in a million
years did I think I'd play that position
Paul was different as opposed to working
guys into the ground his motto was work
smarter not
harder his main goal was to improve us
as athletes and make us stronger faster
more explosive he didn't care about
anything
else once during a conditioning drill I
saw a teammate struggling to keep up
during a run so I slowed down to
encourage him and he yelled at me he
said you run this exercise the best you
can lead from the front
it's my job to take care of the
back Paul moved me to offensive line
that
spring and it ended up being the single
greatest move that ever happened to me
as a football
player there are too many people to
thank for my times at Cincinnati so I'd
like to limit it to coaches Paul Longo
Jeff Quinn Brian Kelly Mark Antonio
strength coaches Tim swanger Dave
Andrews coach krie Holmes coach Butcher
Jones as well as athletic trainer Bob
manene and orthopedic Dr Angelo
kosimo of course all of my teammates and
Friends University support staff all of
you made my time there something I
wouldn't trade for the world some of the
most enjoyable years of my
life after my senior year ended it
became apparent the NFL would be an
opportunity although few teams had
interest in a linemen that weighed 2880
pounds
lucky for me the Eagles had just hired
Howard mud a legendary coach who valued
offensive lineman for their athleticism
more than their
size having watched and emulated Jeff
Saturday in my own game it all felt Too
Perfect When the eagle selected me in
the sixth round immediately after being
drafted my agent Jason
Bernstein said you have no idea how
perfect this is you're going to fit in
great
come on you're going to fit in great in
Philadelphia this is your kind of
town 13
seasons in
Philadelphia and I look back on a career
filled with ups and
downs
I'd like to thank the four head coaches
I played for Andy Reid Chip Kelly Doug
Peterson and Nick
serani consider myself lucky to have
played for each of you I'd like to thank
Jeffrey lurry for his dedication to
building an organization that values its
employees as people and gives them the
resources necessary to
thrive I've only had one
boss so I don't know much to compare
to
but Jeffrey always made it a point to
show his appreciation and love for his
players on and more importantly off the
field I'd like to thank Hoy Roseman for
drafting me and for always working hard
to improve our team even from the other
side of the building that one
year whether it be coaches players
salary cap or the numerous other things
you control you work tirelessly and
calculatedly to improve improve this
organization I'd like to thank Big D
dandro truly the life force of this
organization no one gives more time and
energy to this team at the drop of a hat
Dom is by your side my family and I give
our sincerest thank yous for always
treating us with dignity and
assistance there are so many teammates
coaches abort staff trainers equipment
cafeteria workers you guys have no idea
the amount of people in this building it
takes to assist our players and
me I'd like to thank you all by name but
we' be here far too long for anyone to
continue listening so instead I will
share memories if that's all right with
you all when I look back down the road
I'm sure there are things I will forget
but these are some of the things I'm
sure I
won't I won't forget the call I got from
Andy Reid on draft day and my father
rushing into the
room
come
on with tears streaming down his face as
his son's
dreams had just been
realized it had just been announced on
TV I had been drafted by the
Philadelphia
Eagles and I won't forget two years
later that same
man
and my brother receiving a
call and him being drafted by the Kansas
City
Chiefs this time the
tears streaming down both my father and
I's face as my brother had just realized
his
own I will forget the first time I saw
Jason Peters do a one-on-one pass set
with Trent Cole and being amazed at the
speed balance and power I had just
witnessed it reminded me or looked like
a grizzly bear wrestling a
panther it was so impressive it made me
question if I was good enough to play it
in this
league I watched the next couple guys go
and thought okay I can do
this I won't forget Thirsty Thursdays at
879 a bar owned by Brent cic and Todd
harman's that stayed open a whole six
months because nobody paid for a drink
poor business practices indeed that bar
may have closed quickly but the
friendships at Forge remain open to this
day I won't forget my second training
camp walking downstairs in my Lehigh
dorm to paramedics rushing in and Coach
Dave cul's look on his face
and made the
expression like he had seen a
ghost a whole lot clearer
I asked if I could
help and he said no just go to
practice come
on we' find out later at practice that
Garrett Reed had passed
away only a few hours after that Andy
addressed the
team it's the most intense moment I've
ever shared with a group of
men and the outpouring of support and
love for my
friend and the Reed family at the
funeral soon after
was truly
remarkable I won't forget Chip Kelly's
first game as Eagles head coach against
the Washington
Redskins we ran close to 50 plays in the
first half we were so tired but it
didn't
matter because they couldn't stop us the
NFL had never seen something like this
before I remember all of us thinking
after that game this is going to change
the
NFL I won't forget walking out onto a
snowless field before warm-ups against
the Detroit
Lions and then walking out of the tunnel
to a
blizzard the Lions and white jerseys
blended into the snow so well I could
not see the secondary of the
defense in the second half was all the
Sha McCoy he's somehow figured out a way
to cut on a dime that day and man it was
incredible to watch it was probably the
most fun game of football I've ever been
in it felt like we were all kids again
that day just playing in the
backyard I won't forget finding out in
the 2017 Rams
game that Carson Wentz at tour his
ACL the whole team had an uneasy feeling
in locker room all of us questioning
what this would mean until Malcolm
Jenkins addressed the team he gave a
very typical Malcolm speech invoking
confidence in who we were and breaking
it down with this patented we all we got
we all we
need I won't forget Nick Foles having
the game of his life on the biggest
stage
possible and the biggest dick on the
team going up to Doug
Peterson and ask asking for the Philly
special and Doug Peterson having the
biggest balls in the
stadium to say yeah let's do
it and Brandon Graham finding a way to
stop Tom Brady
once literally
once and the way the ball hung in the
air on that last Hill Mary and how it
felt like an
eternity just looking no sound
registering completely engulfed in the
moment when it finally landed running
onto the field looking for a flag
anything that would mean it was
over we had done
it I won't forget the parade and what it
meant to the city of
Philadelphia The Joy it brought our
community and the closure it gave to so
many the stories from fans that had been
waiting generations for that moment
fulfilled that Triumph to another
level on the route I remember meeting a
woman with ashes of a dead relative whom
she had promised wouldn't miss the
parade if the Eagles had ever won
it a speech that had written itself and
one that had
symbolized what we had all lived as
players as a team and as a
city that wasn't my speech it was
Philadelphia's I won't forget my mother
becoming mom of the
NFL a representative for all moms out
there who have sacrificed so much for
their
children I won't forget Nick serani
sending me kegs a beer to convince me to
keep playing these last few
years he knows the key to my
heart I won't forget making the playoffs
in his first season the Super Bowl in
his next and the immense heartbreak at
the collapse of this last
season and although last season truly
sucked I wouldn't trade any of my time
with you or those teams for the
world everything happens for a reason
and I have truly enjoyed my time with
you
coach sometimes the flowers get knocked
back a bit
but the roots
remain and I can't wait to watch what re
blossoms this next
season I won't forget falling short to
the
Chiefs
this is where it's going to go off the
rails nice
Brett I won't forget voling short to the
Chiefs and the conflicted feeling of
immense heartbreak I had
selfishly
for myself and for my
teammates and at the same time the
amount of
pride I had that my
brother had climbed the mountain top
once again
we have a small
family we have a small family one we
have a small family no cousins one Aunt
one Uncle it was really my brother and I
our whole
lives
we did almost everything together
competed
fought
laughed
cried and learned from each
other we invented games imagined
ourselves as star players of that
time we'd Envision making the winning
plays day after day on Coler Ridge
Road
we won countless Super Bowls in our
minds before ever leaving the
house and when we weren't
playing we were at the other ones games
but seated in a lawn chair or a bench a
capric son in our hand that mom had
packed cheering during the game and
waiting outside afterward to celebrate a
victory
together
or offer encouragement after a
defeat there is no chance I'd be here
without the bond Travis and I
share it made me stronger tougher
smarter and taught me the values of
cooperation
loyalty patience and
understanding it's only too poetic I
found my career being
fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love
I knew that relationship all too
well some people struggle to play in
this city they can't handle the booze
the
media or our
fans consider it a great blessing to
play in the most passionate Sports Town
in
America the sense of urgency in this
city to win has pushed our
organization has fueled it to take
chances fixed problems and work
tirelessly in an effort to
win at times you hate it as an
athlete especially those new to our
city but when you've been through it
enough you learn to appreciate
it no one celebrates their own like the
city of
Philadelphia athletes become demigods in
the city even ones whose Deeds span
decades
before the Eagles are the number one
ticket in town the most talked about
about thing at nearly every moment with
that amount of attention you better be
ready to overcome the lows that will
happen and be ready to persevere in the
face of the
criticism
yes they will let you know when you are
not performing
well every
time but they will also love you if you
show effort
aggression desire the will to
fight they will love you in this city if
you love it the way you love your
brother You Will Be Loved by going above
and beyond to show that you
care because they
care they've been caring for Generations
in this town about this team and they
aren't about to accept a bunch of
excuses and soft ass nonsense
representing the name on the front of
the Jersey some something they've
invested their entire lives
in if you don't like what the fans and
media are saying as a player it's very
easy love them treat them like your
brothers and go out and play your balls
off wear your heart on your
sleeve and I guarantee you change those
narratives I remember seeing zacher shy
away from a block one day one game
against vontz Blick in the Cincinnati
Bengals right y so the fans ripped him
apart crushing him for doing it the next
week the first catch I saw Zack her snag
he ran after the catch like I had never
seen it took three guys to bring him
down and I heard the link erupt with
cheers for his
effort today you won't find a single
Philadelphian with a bad word to say
about Zack hers in the Legacy he left
behind
mind as players you write the
narratives the fans and media for the
most part it's occasionally
different only write what you give
them if you go above and beyond in this
city you will be rewarded beyond your
wildest
dreams I saw firsthand the Wrath of the
Eagles fans in the 2016 Eagle
season and rightfully so I had an awful
start to that season where I was often
overpowered had many holding penalties
that cost our
team and look like one of the worst
centers in the
league I was wanted out of town by
nearly
everyone and it wasn't just the fans
that wanted me to goone it was nearly
everyone in this
organization that off season I heard
trade rumors Galore and speculation I'd
be cut I imagine if the Eagles had
received received a trade offer for a
brand new set of washing machines they
may have pulled the
trigger hell if I was in charge I would
have pulled the
trigger there's only one person in this
building who still wanted
me and it's he who I have to thank most
for the career I've
had that's Jeff
Stalin
no one has been most
influential no one has been more
influential or meaningful to my success
on the field in my career than
Stout I think one of the greatest things
a human being can give another is
belief this world life it can be hard it
can challenge yourself to points of
self-doubt and that is a dangerous place
to
be well I am lucky my whole life I have
been surrounded Ed by people that have
believed in me my father my mother my
brother Paul Longo Howard mud and In My
Darkest Hour as a
Philadelphian Stout was the one who
believed in
me he was adamant my problems could be
fixed with proper technique fundamentals
and work and work we
did that offseason in training camp I
focused on using my hands better playing
with leverage proper
work and prepared with an edge to prove
to myself that I was good
enough The Following season in 2017 I
enjoyed the finest season of my 13-year
career not only as a player but as a
team and it me more because of the
struggles and work we had been
through without him I doubt any of this
would have been possible or that I'd
still be here since that off season I
have amassed six all Pros five Pro bowls
and I'm recognized by some as one of the
best centers to ever play the
game I am very proud knowing where I
once
was and the Legacy I have left behind
and the man we can all thank is Jeff
Stalin second Stout quote of the evening
no man is an island we must draw our
strengths from
others I'd like to thank my teammates
my other
brothers oh how I've drawn my strengths
from you
all I was fortunate to play with great
players some of the best this league has
to
offer but it was really off the field
just sitting in the cafeteria with my
teammates breaking bread and talking
about life that were some of the most
meaningful times I spent in my
career the NFL is truly like no other
place and at the same time represents
America as a whole like no
other fat offensive lineman from
Cleveland play on the same
field as skinny wide receivers from
Louisiana and kickers from
Chicago tight ends from
Stanford play next to tackles from H
Gore community
college defensive ends from inner city
Detroit play next to defensive tackles
from Yu City
Mississippi 6 foot n Jordan
Mada plays the same sport is 4 foot
eight Darren
sprouls The Melting Pot of geographic
location economic background race body
type personality and athletic traits of
an NFL locker room is truly
remarkable and we all rely on each other
and respect one another and each of our
differences because we know we're
stronger
together I will always cherish this
Brotherhood the relationships it
fostered and how unique an experience it
has been to enjoy the field with you
all coming to work every day with a
group of men who were driven to be the
best in the world at what they do is an
environment that will surely be hard to
replicate I won't forget the Eagles
Christmas party in
2014 and heading out afterwards with a b
a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo
Billiards where my life would change
forever that night I'd meet my future
wife
I still remember the moment she walked
through the
door the first
instance is burned in my
retina it was like she glided through
the opening and Aura around
her then she started
talking and I thought man is this what
love feels
like she was
beautiful and
smart serious yet playful I knew it
right
away I think it's no coincidence I have
enjoyed my best years of my career with
Kylie by my
side every Accolade I have ever received
has come with her in my life she has
brought the best out of me through love
devotion
support honesty intelligence and of
course the swift kick in the ass from
time to
time she has also given me three
beautiful girls and a life that
increasingly brings me more fulfillment
off the field than it does
on WE we've had a great run
Kai I am a product of my
upbringing I think one of the best
things a person can be in this world is
a
father a father who was present loving
devoted just may be the greatest gift a
child could ask for in our
society and I have a damn good
one my father believed in me more than
anyone he believed in my in my
brother and whenever my own insecurities
would arise or self-doubt would come in
he would stifle them with the warm
embrace of belief unwavering love and
belief my father worked in the steel
industry in Cleveland for the majority
of his life I remember him taking me
into a plant one time and standing in
awe of the molten
steel and watching a giant Ladle
containing a bunch of it hover over our
heads just feet
away the heat radiated when the molten
steel was in
sight and I remember thinking how
utterly amazing my father's work
was he was the man and continues to be
the man
and father I strive to
be my mother was a part of a generation
of
females that was largely the first of
their families to go to
college when deciding to go to college
her own father said he disagreed with
the
idea he instead uh telling her instead
she become she should become a secretary
or be a
wife in fact the only thing that
convinced him into letting her go to
college was my grandmother's insistence
that my mother would find an educated
man to settle down with and that would
mean more money for the
family mom took the opportunity to go to
college and graduated from the Ohio
University worked in banking for over 40
years climbing the corporate ladder from
teller to a VP and was largely The
Breadwinner for our
family I like to think I got my tough
aggression and lunch paale mentality
from my father and from my mother I
learned the all too important
lesson of
never of never letting anyone tell you
what you can't
do and so this all brings us here to
today where I announce that I am
retiring
where I announce I'm retiring from the
NFL after 13 Seasons with the
Philadelphia
Eagles and
today I must
admit I am officially
overrated vastly
overrated but [ย __ย ] it took a lot of hard
work and determination getting
here I have been the underdog my entire
career and I mean this when I say it I
wish I still
was few things gave me more joy than
proving someone
wrong my mother used to tell people and
still says to this day if you want Jason
to do something all you have to do was
tell him he
can't and that was true in more ways
than I care to admit
I relish doubters they fueled A Fire
Within I suspect that comes from an
upbringing where my parents would tell
me Jason you can do you can be anything
in this world you want to as long as you
put your mind to it and work hard to
achieve
it so whenever I was faced with doubt in
my career be it from fans from coaches
even from my own
teammates the American dream was would
burn from deep inside my
bones which leads to my
last Jeff stoutland
quote hungry dogs run
faster thank you
Philadelphia oh my God
thank you
Philadelphia from the bottom of my heart
thank you for letting me represent this
city and allowing me into your homes
every
Sunday growing
up it has truly been a privilege you
have all been so good to me and my
family growing up in Cleveland I watched
all of my favorite a athletes lead the
city
hell a whole team left the
city it has always been a goal of
mine to play my whole career in one
city and I couldn't have dreamt a better
one and a better fit if I
tried I don't know what's next but I
look forward to the new challenge es and
opportunities that await and I know that
I carry with me the lessons for my time
here and that
forever and that forever we shall all
share the bond of being
philadelphians that's all I
[Applause]
got that's all you got that's all you
got he gave us everything he's had for
13 seasons and a huge hug for younger
brother
Travis his mother Donna who as he said
his father Ed there's Kye standing up is
not a dry eye in the house at the Nova
Care
complex his wife who as he
mentioned he's so devoted
to and so in love with and that that
together they have three children Kylie
Wyatt Wyatt Elliott and Bennett there's
Hoy Roseman in the uh in the background
Elliot Shore Parks gets a hug Zack
Burman gets a hug in a handshake all the
media members who have covered his
career there's Jeff mclan from the
inquiry just shook Ruben Frank's hand
hug ruin too yeah hug Rubin big hug for
Dave zal you know they'll be talking
about it on their Eagle Eye podcast
upcoming and
Mike silski everyone's getting a hug
Marl ree the voice of the Philadelphia
Eagles a sustained Embrace and it's it's
like that when you say goodbye to a
legend and as we bring in Barrett Brooks
Barrett when you look at this scene you
know and you realize that this is it for
Jason Kelce he left it all on the field
and he left it all in the auditorium
because I've never seen a farewell media
Gathering as I have today which is why
he had this uh press conference he
wanted to leave his way and and this is
the perfect way for him to depart the
NFL as far as being a player he'll still
be involved he'll do something he's too
he's too much of an iconic player uh to
leave this Eagles organization or to
leave football I mean his speech just
put it all in perspective handshake for
John Clark he's not going to he is not
going to miss anybody in the room
whether he knows them or not and you can
bet that he knows know almost uh almost
every single person in this room and
another big hug there's Jeff stoutland
right there with his hands in his pocket
to the right and he referenced Jeff
throughout the the news conference and a
big big bear hug for his offensive line
coach who he said is responsible for
turning his career around after a very
poor in his own words 2016 season and he
had the finest season of his career in
2017 which just so happened to be the
Eagles Super Bowl season there's the
president of the club Don spinski gets a
handshake as uh as Jason Kelce makes his
Farewell throughout the auditorium and
it's a it's a tough day it is a tough
day when you say goodbye Dom dandro
right there when you say goodbye to a
hero as he has been on the field and off
the field and he he talked about how
Jeffrey Lorry was so good to him off the
field more importantly than on the field
absolutely uh what he has done for this
community off the field this guy has
been uh nothing more than an absolute
mench Jason Kelce he thanked everybody
Barrett I he started with his high
school coach Mike Jones went to the
assistant coaches went to his Lacrosse
coach even even thanked his band teacher
Brett Baker from Cleveland Heights High
School and there's Travis Kelce with the
shades on and and you know you got to be
wearing Shades if you watching your
brother say goodbye because because
there's a lot of Tears with that right
he talked about how the the two of them
did everything together they were each
other's biggest cheerleaders each
other's biggest competitors they'd laugh
they'd fight they'd go to each other's
games and um it's uh it's tough now as
Travis will carry the torch for the
family try to get the third straight
Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs in
the 24 season and we we knew something
was up when Travis Travis was spotted
around town this weekend and
um when you look at this scene it's a
it's a special time but I said before we
started Barrett an indelible moment
we'll remember forever the way Jason
Kelce played the game and but we'll also
remember this remember Kelsey's
retirement ceremony right well you know
he said uh he said the you know at the
end of the season when he may have
mentioned to somebody and the media
grasp hold of it then they you know
National media said oh he's going to
retire after this season he just just
really didn't want the door to close
like that he wanted to have something
like this you know he didn't want a you
know a goodbye tour necessarily as far
as him come back to play he just wanted
everybody to know that you know he was
he's definitely appreciated everything
he's accomplished uh the people that
help him accomplish those things he
think people you know even even Howard
mud you know Howard mud was a was a
great coach um back in Seattle and he's
the one that got Kevin my uh you know a
6'4 289b office of Center get him to
really play like Kelsey he like built
the foundation for kelse as far of being
a guy that pulls and and blocks the
second level and using their athleticism
and uh you know he started that trait so
Howard mu was great you know it seemed
like everything fell into place for
Kelsey throughout his career Kevin myw
how he played and Howard mud and then
transitioned you know to to Stalin and
Stalin using his ability to really uh
you know play the way he played and I
tell you what you know I think the guy
that's going to really suffer the most
you know not just the Eagles players but
I think you know know hers not having
him on the field is is he's really going
to he's really going to have to come
with it now you know cuz you know having
a guy like Kelsey on the field helps you
out in so many different ways not just
calling the call calling where the mic
is calling protections but his
understanding on of of of what he needs
to do out there on the field there were
times where he would call plays and
remind him of plays that could work
against these different sets and you
know and and and Herz would say yeah you
know I of course I'm going listen to him
he you know he helped me be the parent
player that I am so yes you know this is
something that uh you know that's that's
going to be big for this Eagles team to
try to come in and and replace them you
know there are guys there uh cam Jurgens
uh you know even even Lon Dickerson
could play center you know so they have
guys in place but this is definitely
going to affect how they go forward and
how they're going to draft or a free
agency or whatever they're going to do
for the interior that the offensive line
we just came off the NFL combine and
that's where teams take a look at
players that they might draft in the
coming draft next month and it's no
coincidence that Jason Kelce announces
this today because the free agent period
is coming up March 11th March 13th for
signings officially and then the draft
at the end of April and and so you know
they they need to get their ducks in a
row right to to make sure they know what
they're doing and we knew that Jason
Kelce would not hold up this team uh and
and certainly by today he he has not and
he talked about everybody who has helped
him Barrett and when you look at at the
final product that he became as a
football player he singled out Jeff
stoutland he singled out Howard mud he
singled that Paul wongo at the
University of Cincinnati who said you
know what he was the strength coach he
said you know what I think you make a
great Center he was playing linebacker
at the time Jason Kelce and he said yeah
even at 288 pounds you mentioned Kevin
maw that Jason Kelce would have the
athleticism and the intellect to be able
to play the position to a fairy well M
absolutely you know and just think of
people you know I mean what was big to
me he talked about his speech and how
you know the speech became iconic and he
said you know that wasn't his speech it
was the city of Philadelphia speech you
know and and that's kind of you know
that's that's really what we we do you
know it's it's it's you know he is the
culmination of everything that's good
and great and also you know the
negativity that comes with playing a
player here in Philadelphia you got to
have thick skin but they'll love you
like no other you know this is one this
is the biggest Sports Town you know say
what you want to say about Boston La
Chicago this is the best sports town to
live in this is the best fans base to to
to be able to you know play in front of
and and talk to them you got to come
with it you know I can't just say I just
can't say anything up here because
they'll call you on it you got to
researched you got to make sure you know
what you know so I love calling games
here I love I love the fact that we uh
you know we're in a in a city that you
know really loves the team he talked
about the 2016 season and the fact that
he had he had really underperformed and
that the fans had booed him mercilessly
and deserved deservedly so he said and
he was ready to pack it in then and it
was Jeff St stoutland who said you know
what we can fix some things in your
Technique and what you know in your
recollection what did he go by from that
point forward to to really come to play
because that's when he made the majority
made all his all pro teams after that
time and he made his the majority of his
Pro bowls as well and you're talking
about seven more seasons left to play
after that absolutely well you know he
just learned he went about handling this
business got in the weight room got
stronger got you know better technique
and and really made things happen he
sure did all right uh we've got to go
we'll see you on Bird's huddle with
Barrett Brooks coming up at 6 o'clock
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