Jason Kelce Gives Update on Possible Retirement From NFL

Jason Kelce addressed his ongoing contemplation about his possible retirement from the NFL during an appearance on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast.

Rumors began swirling about the Philadelphia Eagles center’s retirement decision in January. Although reports emerged after the Eagles’ season-ending game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he told his teammates he was leaving the game, the NFL player later walked those rumors back, telling fans he hadn’t yet made a decision.

In the weeks since, the father-of-three watched his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, advance with his team to play in—and ultimately win—Super Bowl LVIII. The game came one year after the Kelce brothers played each other in the 2023 Super Bowl, a game the Chiefs also won.

During their podcast recording earlier this week, Carvey described reading about the “adrenaline rush” and “camaraderie” that come with being a professional football player. When Jason decides to retire, Carvey said he should consider exploring work in show business, which he described as an “emotionally violent sport.” Carvey suggested the intensity of show business was thus comparable to that of football.

Carvey then asked Jason if he has made a decision about his NFL retirement.

“I don’t know,” Jason said. “I’m trying to figure it out right now.”

The Eagles center told the comedians that he is currently “exploring different opportunities” for when he does decide to retire. But just in case he chooses to return to

In a separate conversation released on Feb. 21 on New Heights, the podcast Jason and Travis host together, Jason discussed retirement with two of his former teammates, Beau Allen and Chris Long, who are both now retired. Allen warned Jason that life can be “a little boring” without the “intensity of football,” a shift that has, for him, been “an adjustment.” Football players grow used to the routines and structures that come with being on a team, Allen said, as well as the bonds they develop with their teammates.

the Eagles for another season, Jason said he is “still working out and staying in shape.”

“It’s a huge existential crisis, man,” Long added. “Whether you think you’re ready or not, your life changes.”