Jason Kelce may have had a team at his back, but this decision was truly his.
The former Philadelphia Eagles player announced his retirement from the NFL on March 4 in an emotional press conference, marking an end to his 13 seasons on the team and in the league. Now, Jason is sharing who played the biggest role in making the decision.
"Me—and I think that's how I knew," he told Travis Kelce on the March 6 episode of their New Heights podcast. "Like in previous years I'd reach out to other guys, 'Hey, how do you know when you wanna stop playing? What do you think?' And the reality was it was more firm than it'd ever been this year, that I don't think physically I can compete at the level that I want to anymore, and really compete the way I want to."
He explained, "My elbow, my knees, it's just gotten to the point where the deterioration and recovery from that deterioration—it hasn't really manifested on game day yet, but I know it's gonna start doing that and I'd rather not—I'm hard on myself, and if I go out there and I'm not the player that I wanna be, it'll crush me."
But despite the emotions he expressed during his announcement, the 36-year-old knows it was the right play.
"So I feel very confident in the decision I made, I know that it's time. I've had a really good run," Jason noted, adding of his growing physical limitations, "but that's the biggest reason why."
During the press conference, Jason thanked a number of other individuals in his life for their support over the years, including Travis, but he reserved an extra special shoutout for an extra special teammate: his wife Kylie Kelce, with whom he shares daughters Wyatt, 4, Elliotte, 2, and Bennett, 12 months.
"I think it's no coincidence I have enjoyed my best years of my career with Kylie by my side," the 2018 Super Bowl champion said. "Every accolade I have ever received has come with her in my life. She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and, of course, a swift kick in the ass from time to time."
Praise that, for her part, moved Kylie.
"It was very, very sweet," she told NBC10 Philadelphia. "Very kind. It was far too much credit."
She also felt, as a Philadelphia native herself whose husband has spent his entire football career in her city, that his announcement was an apt homage to her hometown.
"It was just a perfect summary of 13 years," she added of his speech. "I always say he's not from here, but he gets it. That was the perfect example."
For more of Kylie and Jason's sweetest moments, keep reading.
Baby on Board
In October 2019, Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce welcomed their first baby together, a daughter named Wyatt Elizabeth Kelce.
Family of Four
Their second daughter Elliotte Ray Kelce joined the family two years later.
Party of Five
One year after Elliotte's arrival, Kylie shared that "another Kelce lady" would be added to the bunch with an adorable set of photos.
Meet Bennett
In February 2023, the couple welcomed their third child, with her arrival coming nearly two weeks after Jason faced off against brother Travis Kelce at the 2023 Super Bowl.
Golden Girls
Jason shared a glimpse at his oldest daughters holding a huge prize in May 2023, writing on Instagram, "Never in a million years did I think I’d hold the Larry O’Brien trophy, let alone that it would be in my house!!"
"Unbelievable honor to see it in person," he continued. "The size is incredible, looks so small when NBA players are holding it, but it’s actually massive!! The girls were very interested in it."
Perfect Teammates
The family of five hit the field in August 2023, with Kylie joking in an Instagram post, "Here for the Rita’s and obstacle courses with dad after practice."
Fly, Eagles Fly
Jason and Kylie rang in Wyatt's fourth birthday in October 2023 on the Philadelphia Eagles' home turf. As Kylie noted on Instagram, "We were celebrating a 4th birthday when the Birds went 4-0."
Lucky Charms
Kylie shared this pic of Wyatt, Elliotte and Bennett on Instagram in June 2024, writing, "Parents know… 2 out of 3 isn’t bad!"
Jason's mom Donna Kelce commented, "The cutest beautiful bunch of 'lucky charms' under that rainbow!!!!"
Baby No. 4
Jason and Kylie welcomed their fourth baby girl Finnley "Finn" Anne Kelce on March 30, 2025.
Mom and Me
Kylie craddled her Finn in her arms after the baby's March 2025 arrival.
Flower Power
Little Finn rocked a floral onesie shortly after she was born in the hospital.
Girl Dad
The Philadelphia Eagles alum held newborn Finnley close in an Instagram photo shared in April 2025.