Jason Kelce’s legacy: Exploring Eagles veteran’s career pinnacles, statistical feats, and lesser known facts

As per ESPN, Eagles center Jason Kelce has declared his retirement to fellow teammates within the locker room following a 32-9 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a wildcard playoff game.

Jason’s exit will mark the end of an era for one of the NFL’s most respected offensive linemen.

As the NFL community absorbs the news of Kelce’s retirement, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of his extraordinary career.

Jason Kelce’s season highlights since NFL draft debut

2011 NFL Draft and Rookie Season:

• • Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
  • Became the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 games at center.

2012 Season:

• • Named the starting center for the second consecutive year.
  • Suffered a partially torn MCL and a torn ACL, missing the rest of the 2012 season.

2013 Season:

• • Started all 16 games, leading the Eagles to the playoffs and setting team season records for points and yards.
  • Graded as the best center in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
  • Honored with the Ed Block Courage Award.

2014 Season:

• • Agreed to a six-year, $37.5 million contract extension with the Eagles.
  • Despite undergoing surgery for a sports hernia and missing four games, selected to his first Pro Bowl.

2015 Season:

• • Started in all 16 games.

2016 Season:

• • Started in all 16 games.
  • Selected to his second Pro Bowl.

2017 Season:

• • Started in all 16 games.
  • Had his best season, being selected as a First-team All-Pro and winning Run Blocker of the Year by PFF.
  • Won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles.

2018 Season:

• • Given his second First-team All-Pro honor.

2019 Season:

• • Signed a one-year contract extension through the 2021 season.
  • Elected to his 3rd Pro Bowl and received his 3rd straight First-team All-Pro honor.

2020 Season:

• • Started his 100th straight game with the Eagles.
  • Elected to his 4th Pro Bowl.

2021 Season:

• • Signed a new deal with the Eagles in March.
  • Selected to his fifth Pro Bowl, marking his third straight selection.
  • Named a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the fourth time.
  • Ranked 71st by fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

2022 Season:

• • Signed a new one-year deal with the Eagles worth $14 million, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.
  • Earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.

Super Bowl LVII (2022 Season):

• • Appeared in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, where his brother Travis played for the Chiefs.
  • Eagles lost to the Chiefs 38–35.

2023 Season:

• • Re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year contract after considering retirement.
  • In week 6, broke the Eagles record for most consecutive starts previously held by Jon Runyan.

Closer Look at Jason Kelce’s fumble and defensive statistics

Looking at his performance from 2011 to 2023, Kelce played 191 games, with 11 fumbles and only 1 lost fumble. He’s been good at holding onto the ball, recovering it 7 times himself. Plus, he even scored a touchdown from a fumble recovery.

Switching to defense, Kelce’s versatility shines through. In those 191 games, he made a total of 6 tackles, all by himself. While he didn’t get any sacks, safeties, deflections, interceptions, or touchdowns on defense, his role in helping the team defend is clear. Kelce’s reliability and durability on the field have made him a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles throughout his career.

Beyond the Gridiron: 5 lesser known facts about Jason Kelce

-While attending Cleveland Heights High School, Jason Kelce earned accolades as a versatile player, excelling as both a running back and linebacker. 

-During his time at Cleveland Heights, Kelce proved his musical talent by playing the baritone saxophone in both the symphonic and jazz bands.

-In addition to football, Kelce participated in hockey and lacrosse during his high school years, Jason Kelce met his wife, Kylie McDevitt, through a dating app, showcasing a modern twist to his personal life.

-In 2023, Kelce found himself as a finalist in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list.

-Despite not possessing the prototypical size for an NFL player, Kelce was projected as a fourth-round pick.

-Jason Kelce stands as a five-time First-Team All-Pro at the center position, joining an elite group of five players in NFL history with this distinction, four of whom are Hall of Fame inductees.

-Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie share their lives with two Irish wolfhounds named Winnie and Baloo.