Miles Teller, JJ Watt, Jill Biden Congratulate Jason Kelce After He Announces Retirement: 'Legendary Career'
The Eagles center announced his retirement from the NFL during an emotional 40-minute speech on Monday
After Jason Kelce delivered an emotional speech announcing his retirement from the NFL on Monday, stars from the sports, politics and entertainment worlds paid tribute to the legendary Philadelphia Eagles star.
Supported by his wife Kylie, brother Travis, and parents Donna and Ed during the press conference, Jason, 36, delivered a tearful 40-minute speech as he thanked friends, family and former teammates for their support throughout his 13-year career.
In turn, his friends and supporters took to social media to thank Jason for his years of hard work and passion on and off the football field.
Actor Miles Teller, a loyal Eagles fan and friend of the Kelce family, wrote, "They don’t make em any better than #62. Thanks for the memories big guy," on X (formerly known as Twitter).
First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, quoted a post from the Philadelphia Eagles account, and added, "Congratulations on a legendary career, @JasonKelce."
Three-time Super Bowl champ Julian Edelman shared a video from Jason's speech on X and said, "This is what it’s all about man. Gave everything to the game. Time for the next chapter… congrats @JasonKelce."
This is what it’s all about man. Gave everything to the game. Time for the next chapter… congrats @JasonKelce https://t.co/yWxYksGsE2
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) March 4, 2024
Related: Travis Kelce Wipes Away Tears as His Brother Jason Announces Retirement from NFL
Retired Houston Texans star JJ Watt said, "Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now," referring to the gold garment given to NFL Hall of Fame inductees.
"Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce," Watt, 34, continued, adding, "A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you."
Jason's now-former teammate Zach Ertz penned a powerful tribute to the Eagles legend. "Honestly don’t think you understand the impact you had on your teammates for the past 13 years," said Ertz, 33. "I wouldn’t be the player I am without you and we would not have had the success without you; and that’s not even talking about your on-field talent. Thank you for everything."
Jason had spoke highly of Ertz in his speech Monday, calling him out specifically. "I remember seeing Zach Ertz shy away from a block one day, one game against Vontaze Burfict of the Cincinnati Bengals. Rightfully so, the fans ripped him apart, crushing him for doing it."
Jason continued, "The next week, the first catch I saw Zach Ertz snag, he ran after the catch like I had never seen. It took three guys to bring him down, and I heard the Linc erupt with cheers for his effort. Today, you won't find a single Philadelphian with a bad word to say about Zach Ertz and the legacy he left behind."
Related: Jason Kelce Retires from NFL After 13 Seasons: Read His Full, 40-Minute Speech
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland shared a heartfelt open letter to Jason, writing, "Jason, Some of my fondest coaching moments have been by your side these past 11 seasons. I’m so proud of the player you’ve worked to become and legacy you’ve built."
"I will miss having you by my side. It’s been my honor & I congratulate you on an incredible career. Stout out."
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Offensive tackle, and one of Jason's Eagles Christmas album collaborators Lane Johnson, quoted the lyrics of Robert Earl Keen's song, "The Road Goes on Forever" in his tribute to Jason.
"The road goes on forever & the party never ends," Johnson wrote alongside photos of him and Jason suited up on the football field.
Eagles' cornerback Darius Slay suggested that March 4 "should be a Kelce day in Philly" after Jason's speech. "The man is a true legend," Slay added.
March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend!
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 4, 2024
Fellow former Eagle Beau Allen couldn't resist an opportunity to poke fun at his friend, sharing a "highlight reel" of Jason's "best reps" from last season, including his infamous shirtless beer chug when he cheered for his brother Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs in Buffalo.
"Congrats to my good friend @JasonKelce on a legendary career," Allen wrote on X. "Had the crew over @greenlight put together a highlight tape of some of your best reps from 2023. I think this tape really shows your unique athleticism and how versatile you are as a player!"
Allen followed up with a more sincere sentiment after, writing, "All joking aside @JasonKelce is an incredible leader, unbelievable competitor and a phenomenal friend. Truly a privilege to share so much time with you on and off the field. Love you brother."
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