The decision comes after the Eagles' disappointing 32-9 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card playoff game.
Kelce, a key figure in the Eagles' Super Bowl LII victory, displayed visible emotion at the game's conclusion, holding back tears as he briefly interacted with his family. The 36-year-old informed his teammates of his retirement immediately after the defeat.
Although Kelce has yet to address his retirement publicly, insights from the Prime Video documentary "Kelce" shed light on his decision-making process. Concerns about his overall health, particularly regarding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), weighed heavily on his mind. Kelce expressed apprehension about the long-term consequences of playing football and its potential impact on his ability to interact with future generations, particularly his grandchildren.
Despite being universally admired within the league and recognized as one of the premier players in his position, Kelce's decision reflects a growing awareness of the physical and mental toll of professional football. Despite his accomplishments, including six first-team All-Pro selections, Kelce admitted to feeling increasingly fatigued, both mentally and physically, in recent seasons.
While Kelce's retirement marks the end of a distinguished career, his legacy as a resilient and influential figure, particularly in Philadelphia, will endure. Despite initial doubts about his size and ability, Kelce's perseverance and talent propelled him to the upper echelons of the sport, likely securing his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
As Kelce navigates the transition from the gridiron to retirement, concerns about the toll of weekly practices and the physical demands of the game weighed heavily on his decision. The challenges of returning to practice each week, particularly on Wednesdays, became increasingly daunting for Kelce, signaling the right time to bring his illustrious career to a close.