Jason Kelce Announces His Retirement from the NFL
Summary
TLDRThis emotionally charged speech chronicles Jason Kelce's journey from a young boy's backyard dreams to a legendary NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He fondly reminisces about his formative football experiences, mentors who shaped him, and the unwavering support of his family. Kelce expresses profound gratitude to teammates, coaches, and the passionate Philadelphia fans who embraced him. He recounts pivotal moments that defined his career, from being an underdog to becoming an All-Pro center. With heartfelt eloquence, Kelce announces his retirement, leaving an indelible legacy fueled by hard work, determination, and an unbreakable spirit.
Takeaways
- 😊 The speaker reflects on his journey from playing football as a child to his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting pivotal moments and people who shaped him.
- 🙏 He expresses gratitude towards his coaches, teammates, family, and the city of Philadelphia for their unwavering support and belief in him.
- 🔥 The speaker emphasizes his passion for football, describing the visceral feeling and intensity of the game that drew him to it from a young age.
- 💪 He acknowledges the challenges he faced as a walk-on and the hard work and determination required to prove himself and earn respect on the field.
- 🌟 The speaker highlights his personal growth, crediting coaches like Paul Longo for moving him to the offensive line, a pivotal decision that unlocked his potential.
- 🏆 He cherishes memorable moments like winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles, the historic parade, and the camaraderie with teammates.
- 👫 The speaker emphasizes the importance of belief from others, citing Jeff Stoutland as a driving force in overcoming doubts and reaching his full potential.
- 💞 He expresses gratitude for his wife, Kylie, who has been a source of love, support, and inspiration throughout his career.
- 👪 The speaker acknowledges the influence of his parents, particularly his father's work ethic and his mother's determination to pursue higher education.
- ✨ He concludes by announcing his retirement, reflecting on his journey as an underdog who defied expectations through hard work and determination.
Q & A
What was the significance of the first day in pads for Jason Kelce when he was 12 years old?
-That first day in pads at 12 years old at Rockboro Middle School marked the beginning of Kelce's love affair with football. The visceral feeling of the collision and intensity of the game made him feel truly alive and free.
Why did Kelce choose to play football?
-Kelce struggled to articulate the exact reasons he was drawn to football, but he compares it to the inexplicable attraction one feels towards their favorite song or book - it's the feeling it evoked, the seriousness and intensity of it that he loved.
What important lesson did Kelce learn from his high school football coaches?
-Kelce thanks his high school coaches for teaching him countless lessons and putting up with his immaturity, stupidity and cockiness as a young kid. Their influence helped shape him into the person he is today.
How did being a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati impact Kelce's work ethic?
-As a walk-on with no investment from the team or coaches, Kelce quickly realized he had to fight harder for opportunities and earn everything through sheer hard work and determination, redefining what it meant to truly work hard.
What was the turning point in Kelce's career at Cincinnati?
-The arrival of strength coach Paul Longo, who moved Kelce from linebacker to offensive line, turned out to be the biggest turning point in his career, as it perfectly suited his skills and athleticism.
What made Kelce's fit with the Philadelphia Eagles so perfect after being drafted?
-The Eagles had just hired Howard Mudd, a legendary coach who valued athletic offensive linemen over pure size, which perfectly matched Kelce's game modeled after Jeff Saturday's style of play.
How did Kelce overcome a poor start to the 2016 season with the Eagles?
-Despite trade rumors and speculation that he might be cut, Jeff Stoutland believed in Kelce and worked tirelessly with him on technique, fundamentals, and proper preparation, allowing Kelce to have the finest season of his career in 2017.
What does Kelce say about the Philadelphia fans and media?
-Kelce embraced the passionate and demanding Philadelphia fan base, saying that if you show effort, aggression, and a desire to fight, the fans will love you. He also said the fans and media largely write the narratives based on what the players give them on the field.
Who does Kelce credit as the most influential person in his success?
-Kelce credits Jeff Stoutland as the most influential and meaningful person to his success, as Stoutland believed in him during his darkest hour and helped him turn his career around through proper coaching and techniques.
What does Kelce say about the diversity and unity in an NFL locker room?
-Kelce marvels at how an NFL locker room represents a true melting pot of America, with players from diverse geographic, economic, racial, and athletic backgrounds all relying on and respecting each other's differences to be stronger together as a team.
Outlines
🏈 First Day in Football Pads
The narrator reminisces about the first day of football practice in middle school when he experienced the intense physical contact and adrenaline rush that drew him to the sport. He describes the visceral feeling of the impending collision and how the smell of freshly mowed grass brings him back to that pivotal moment.
🏆 The Love for Football
The narrator expresses his deep love for football, whether playing in the backyard, on the playground, or under the Friday night lights in high school. He acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned from his coaches and the challenges faced on and off the field. He also highlights the wisdom imparted by Jeff Stallings' father about the 'easy way being the long way,' referring to the mental and physical demands of the sport.
⛓️ College Football and Brotherhood
The narrator recounts his college football experience as a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati, where he faced numerous challenges and learned the true meaning of hard work. He expresses gratitude to the coaches who pushed him beyond his limits and helped him develop as a player. The paragraph also mentions the camaraderie and friendships forged with teammates during those formative years.
🦅 Unforgettable Moments with the Philadelphia Eagles
The narrator shares a series of unforgettable moments from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, including draft day celebrations, witnessing remarkable plays and performances, the heartbreak of a teammate's passing, and the euphoria of winning the Super Bowl. He emphasizes the deep connection he developed with the city, the fans, and the organization.
🏆 Brotherly Love and the City of Philadelphia
The narrator reflects on the conflicting emotions of immense pride and heartbreak when his team fell short against his brother's team in the playoffs. He highlights the unbreakable bond he shares with his brother and how their small family dynamic shaped their journey. He also expresses his gratitude for playing in the passionate city of Philadelphia, where the urgency to win fueled the organization's relentless pursuit of success.
🙌 Overcoming Doubts and Recognizing Supporters
The narrator recounts the 2016 season, where he faced intense criticism and trade rumors due to his poor performance. He expresses gratitude to Jeff Stoutland, who believed in him and helped him regain his form through proper technique and hard work. He also acknowledges the role of his teammates, coaches, and the organization in his eventual success, earning numerous accolades and recognition as one of the best centers in the game.
👪 The Importance of Family and Fatherhood
The narrator reflects on the importance of family, expressing gratitude for his parents' unwavering belief and support throughout his life. He highlights the sacrifices and achievements of his father in the steel industry and his mother's determination to pursue higher education despite societal norms. He also emphasizes the joy and fulfillment he finds in being a father to his three daughters and the positive influence of his wife, Kylie.
🚪 Announcing Retirement and Embracing the Next Chapter
The narrator announces his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He acknowledges being 'vastly overrated' but relishes the journey of proving doubters wrong and embracing the underdog mentality instilled by his parents. He expresses gratitude to the city of Philadelphia and its fans for allowing him to represent them and looks forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await.
🙏 A Heartfelt Farewell
In a poignant conclusion, the narrator extends his sincere gratitude to the city of Philadelphia and its fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. He expresses his pride in playing his entire career with one team and the privilege of representing the city on the field. With a sense of anticipation, he looks forward to the next chapter of his life, carrying the lessons and bonds forged during his time in Philadelphia.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Determination
💡Camaraderie
💡Belief
💡Perseverance
💡Passion
💡Gratitude
💡Legacy
💡Brotherhood
💡Resilience
💡Opportunity
Highlights
The narrator vividly describes the experience of playing football for the first time as a middle school student, recalling the intensity, freedom, and visceral feeling it evoked.
The narrator expresses their love for football, whether playing in the backyard, on the playground, or in high school games, appreciating the challenges, victories, defeats, and camaraderie with teammates.
As a walk-on at the University of Cincinnati, the narrator had to work harder than others to earn respect and opportunities, pushing them to redefine their understanding of hard work.
A strength coach's suggestion to move the narrator to the offensive line position turned out to be a pivotal moment, leading to their greatest success as a football player.
The narrator expresses gratitude for the coaches, trainers, and support staff who contributed to their development and success at the University of Cincinnati.
Being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round was described as a perfect fit, and the narrator thanks various individuals within the organization for their roles.
Memorable moments from the narrator's time with the Eagles are recounted, including remarkable plays, games, and the emotional experiences surrounding them.
The narrator reflects on the unique bond shared with their brother, who also played in the NFL, and the conflicted emotions felt when falling short against their brother's team.
The narrator expresses appreciation for the passion and urgency of Philadelphia's sports fans, acknowledging their ability to push the organization and players to persevere and perform at their best.
Jeff Stoutland, an Eagles coach, is credited with believing in the narrator during their darkest hour in Philadelphia, leading to their resurgence and eventual recognition as one of the best centers in the game.
The narrator cherishes the brotherhood and relationships formed with teammates, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and traits that came together in the unique environment of an NFL locker room.
The narrator's life changed forever after meeting their future wife at a teammate's gathering, crediting her for bringing out the best in them and contributing to their success on and off the field.
The narrator expresses gratitude and admiration for their parents, who instilled values of hard work, determination, and belief in themselves, despite facing doubts and challenges.
The narrator announces their retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, admitting to being "overrated" but crediting the hard work and determination it took to get there.
The narrator thanks the city of Philadelphia and its fans for allowing them to represent the city and for the privilege of being part of the community, expressing excitement for the next challenges and opportunities that await.
Transcripts
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 Dew 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
unbounded my awaiting
body
she
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 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 and like 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 and then get told
good
job I Lov football whether it was in my
backyard with my
brother on the playground with my
friends or shiting 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 Long
Way football was hard much harder than
any sport I had ever played physically
and mentally in 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 love the challenge the 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 I coach Robo you know who you are
uh my hockey coaches Kurt 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 T 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 race in 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 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 and 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 dantonio 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 up and
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 was great and we enjoyed
tremendous success together but because
he brought with him strength coach Paul
Longo two weeks into 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 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 many people to
thank for my times in Cincinnati so I'd
like to limit it to coaches Paul Longo
Jeff Quinn Brian Kelly Mark Antonio
strength coaches Tim Sanger Dave Andrews
coach Carrie Colmes 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
lineman 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 Eagles 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 are 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 howy 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 this
organization I'd like to thank big Dom
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' would like to thank you all by
name but we'd 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 C
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 won't 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 celic and Todd
harmans that stayed open a whole six
months because nobody paid for a
drink poor business practices indeed
that bar may have Clos quickly but the
friendships at Forge remain open to this
day I won't forget my second training
camp walking downstairs on my leehigh
door to paramedics rushing in and Coach
Dave Cy'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 had 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 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 the 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 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 seran
sending me kegs of 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
BR I won't forget falling short to the
Chiefs and the conflicted feeling of
immense heartbreak I had 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 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 colar 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
Capri Sun 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 passion at 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 Spann
decades
before the Eagles are the number one
ticket in town the most talked 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 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 vontes
Blick in the Cincinnati
Bengals rightfully 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 Herz in the Legacy he left
behind 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 Dream
I saw firsthand the Wrath of the Eagles
fans in the 2016 Eagles
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 looked 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 go on it was nearly
everyone in this
organization that offseason I heard
trade rumors Galore and speculation I'd
be cut I imagine if the Eagles had
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 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
footwork 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 meant 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 offseason 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 of this league
has to
offer but it was really off the field
just sitting in the cafeteria with my
teammate at 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 playing next to tackles from
Kilgore community
college defensive ends from inner city
Detroit play next to defensive tackles
from yazu City
Mississippi 6 foot n Jordan
matat plays the same Sport AS 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 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 and 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 an
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
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
toughness 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 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 is
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 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 leave 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 challenges and
opportunities that await and I know that
I carry with me the lessons from my time
here and that
forever and that forever we shall all
share the bond of being
philadelphians
that's all I
[Applause]
got
I'll
you
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
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