7 Shocking Details About Jason Kelce's Retirement And His New Life In 2025
The definitive answer to the question "Did Jason Kelce retire?" is a resounding yes. As of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center is officially retired from the National Football League, having made his emotional announcement on March 4, 2024. While the question continues to circulate among fans hoping for a comeback, Kelce has firmly transitioned into his next chapter, leaving behind a 13-season career that solidified his place as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
This article dives deep into the details of his departure, the full scope of his celebrated career, and the new ventures he has pursued in 2025, including his highly successful media projects and his life outside of football. The transition has been anything but quiet, with Kelce maintaining a massive public profile that continues to fuel speculation about a potential unretirement, which he has repeatedly shut down.
Jason Kelce: Biography and All-Pro Career Profile
Jason Daniel Kelce is an American former professional football center who spent his entire 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his intense play, athleticism, and charismatic, often unfiltered, leadership, Kelce became a beloved figure in Philadelphia and across the NFL.
- Full Name: Jason Daniel Kelce
- Born: November 5, 1987 (Age 38 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
- College: University of Cincinnati (Played for the Cincinnati Bearcats)
- NFL Draft: Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
- NFL Career: 2011–2023 (13 Seasons, all with the Eagles)
- Position: Center
- Wife: Kylie McDevitt Kelce
- Brother: Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs Tight End)
Career Highlights and Legacy
Kelce's career was marked by extraordinary consistency and dominance at the center position, earning him numerous accolades that place him in elite company.
- Super Bowl Champion: Super Bowl LII (2018) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- First-team All-Pro: 6 times (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023). This is a record for an Eagles player.
- Pro Bowl: 7 times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023).
- Ed Block Courage Award: 2023.
- Eagles All-Time Leader: He holds the Eagles franchise record for consecutive starts.
His speech during the Eagles' Super Bowl LII parade, delivered in a Mummers costume, became an iconic moment that perfectly encapsulated his passion and connection to the city of Philadelphia.
The Emotional Farewell: Why Kelce Walked Away
On March 4, 2024, Jason Kelce formally announced his retirement in a raw, emotional 45-minute press conference at the NovaCare Complex. The decision was not a surprise, as he had contemplated retirement for several years, but the finality of the moment was deeply felt by fans and the entire NFL community.
His retirement speech was widely praised for its honesty and depth, detailing his childhood, his relationship with his brother Travis Kelce, his time with the Eagles, and the physical toll the game had taken.
The primary reason for his decision was the cumulative physical wear and tear of 13 grueling seasons. Playing center requires constant, violent contact, and Kelce's body had reached its limit. He expressed a desire to be more present for his wife, Kylie, and their three daughters, without the demanding schedule and physical pain of professional football.
In his speech, he famously stated, "I announce I am retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles." The moment cemented his legacy as a one-team player and a true Philadelphia icon.
Life After Football: Broadcasting, Podcasting, and Unretirement Rumors
Since his retirement, Jason Kelce has successfully transitioned from the gridiron to the media landscape, maintaining a massive cultural footprint that rivals his playing days. This transition has been a key factor in why the "Did Jason Kelce retire?" question continues to trend.
The *New Heights* Podcast Phenomenon
The biggest post-retirement success for Jason has been the continued growth of the *New Heights* podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Travis Kelce.
- Unprecedented Success: The podcast has become a cultural juggernaut, offering fans a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of two Super Bowl champions.
- Candid Conversations: The show covers everything from NFL news and family dynamics to pop culture, making it a must-listen for both football fans and general audiences.
- Cultural Impact: The podcast has played a significant role in the Kelce brothers' mainstream visibility, especially following Travis's high-profile relationship.
The Broadcasting Career Path
Kelce was immediately one of the most sought-after analysts and commentators following his retirement. His combination of deep football knowledge, articulate speaking, and raw charisma makes him a natural fit for television.
While specific deals evolve, reports have strongly indicated that Kelce has been in consideration for major roles on networks like ESPN, potentially for a high-profile gig on a show like *Monday Night Football*. By late 2025, he has established himself as a respected voice in the NFL media, often providing commentary and insight on various platforms.
Addressing Unretirement Speculation
Despite the occasional rumor, Jason Kelce has been clear about his decision to stay retired. The speculation often flares up when the Eagles face offensive line injuries or when his brother, Travis, jokingly urges him to return.
Kelce has consistently maintained that the physical demands are too great and that he is focused on his new life. He has even advised his brother, Travis, to "step away" from the game when his time comes, emphasizing the need to move on when it's "too fresh." This firm stance confirms that the chapter on his playing career is definitively closed.
What’s Next for the Former Eagles Center?
Beyond his media commitments, Kelce has expressed a desire to focus on personal goals and family life. He has mentioned wanting to master more skills around the house and pursue fitness goals that are not centered around the extreme demands of NFL training.
His legacy as the ultimate Philadelphia Eagles center—a six-time First-team All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion—is secure. While his presence is missed on the field, Jason Kelce’s continued success in media ensures that his voice and personality remain central to the NFL narrative, even in retirement. The transition has been seamless, proving that his impact extends far beyond the line of scrimmage.
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