Philadelphia Eagles Post Emotional Tribute Video for Jason Kelce After He Officially Announces Retirement: “Thanks for being someone who really captures the essence of what it means to be a “Philadelphia athlete”

Pass the tissues, Eagles fans! After Jason Kelce’s deeply emotional retirement announcement on Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles shared a special tribute video remembering the 13 seasons he played for the NFL team.

The tribute opens with a voiceover of Jason, 36, sharing advice he received from his father, Ed Kelce, about enjoying the moment. “My dad would always tell me, play every snap like its going to be your last because you never know when that last snap is going to be,” Jason said. “You’ve really got to enjoy each and every play, and each and every moment you have; It’s made me really just appreciate being here, and my teammates, that much more.”

The heartfelt video includes footage from Jason’s 13 years with the Eagles, from his rookie year in 2011 to his iconic Super Bowl victory parade speech in 2018. In one moment from the tribute, from an interview Jason did as a prospect from Cleveland Heights High School, shows the Eagles legend saying he’s “ready to prove people wrong” during a television segment before the 2011 Draft.

The Eagles thanked Jason for being “an unbelievable ambassador for the Eagles Autism Foundation” and “someone who really captures the essence” of what it means to be a “Philadelphia athlete” in their tribute. Clips of Jason interacting with Eagles fans from various rallies and community involvement initiatives over the years can be seen in the video, which runs almost 7 minutes long.

Jason’s 40-minute speech on Monday included grand showings of appreciation for the Eagles organization. The father of three thanked coaches, teammates and “cafeteria workers” along the way — too numerous to name, he said — in addition to his wife, Kylie, mother Donna, father Ed and brother Travis.

Jason shared, “Immediately after being drafted, my agent Jason Bernstein said, “You have no idea how perfect this is. You are going to fit in great. You’re going to fit in great in Philadelphia, this is your kind of town.” Thirteen seasons in Philadelphia, and I look back on a career filled with ups and downs.”

He continued, “There are so many teammates, coaches, support staff, trainers, equipment, cafeteria workers, you guys have no idea how the amount of people in this building it takes to assist our players and me. I’d 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 alright with you all. When I look back down the road, I’m sure there are things I will forget. But these are the things I’m sure I won’t.”