Three reasons why Jason Kelce shouldn't retire

Jason Kelce. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Three reasons why Eagles cornerstone Jason Kelce shouldn't retire

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 1/18/24

It sounds like Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is already pushing back on retirement rumors. If he’s having second thoughts, we have three perfectly good reasons for him to return.

Legacy

If Kelce retires, he’ll finish with 193 games played as an Eagle, second most in franchise history. Defensive end Brandon Graham (195 games) and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (188 games) are right there with him.

Graham has said he'd like to return, but after registering just 16 tackles and three sacks in 2023, he may not see another contract.

The same can be said for Cox whose 33 tackles were the second fewest of his 12-year career. If Kelce returns without the other two, he’d own the Eagles’ record outright with three games played. It would be quite an honor for a player who's already beloved by the city.

Jason Kelce will always be remembered for the best Super Bowl Parade Speech EVERpic.twitter.com/oL3exinkqQ
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) January 16, 2024

Ability

Even after 13 years, Kelce’s game remains strong as ever. In 2023, he earned his third straight All-Pro nomination, his fourth overall to go along with nine Pro Bowl selections.

He’s the No. 1reason the team’s signature “tush push” has been so successful, and Pro Football Focus considers Kelce tied with Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey as the league’s fifth-best center.

Money

After earning nearly $82M as an Eagle, Kelce doesn’t have to worry about putting food on the table. With extra money coming in from podcasts and endorsement deals, his estimated net worth is around $30M, according to celebritynetworth.com.

With signing bonuses, Kelce took home $11.5M in 2023 and should expect a similar deal if he returns. If he doesn’t come back, the team will still take a $24M cap hit in 2024. For that kind of money, count on the Eagles to do everything they can to bring him back.

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