WATCH: Jason Kelce’s wife Kylie Kelce reflected on the Philadelphia Eagle player’s tearful retirement from the NFL, saying, “It was just a perfect summary of 13 years.”
“I think I was the only one that had heard the speech before he went into it,” she said. “I think it was just a perfect summary of 13 years. It was an incredible run he had as a player in the NFL. I’ve heard multiple versions over the last four years. This was a completely different version. I think every year he sort of started from scratch as to what was sitting on the surface,” she continued. “But when he said that he was contemplating retirement for years, he means for years.”
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Kelce’s speech elicited strong reactions from EaglesJason was visibly emotional during the 40-minute speech, often putting his head down to cover his face as he held back tears. He paid tribute to the city of Philadelphia and his wife, mentioning the importance of meeting Kylie at a 2014 Philadelphia Eagles Christmas Party.
“I won’t forget the Eagles Christmas party in 2014 and heading out afterwards with a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo Billiards where my life would change forever. That night, I’d meet my future wife,” he said. “I still remember the moment she walked through the door. The first instance is burned in my retina,” he continued. It was like she glided through the opening, an aura around her.”
Kelce initially hinted at retirement after the 2021 season, but he ultimately decided to continue playing. The Associated Press recognized him as a first-team All-Pro for the fourth time that year.
