Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce recently ignited a strange interaction on social media following the Kentucky Derby. Responding to a post on Twitter, Kelce made a claim about the controversial issue of steroids in the NFL, starting with the assertion that Secretariat, a well-known racehorse, was on steroids.
Additionally, Kelce admitted to having chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) when someone mentioned it as a reason for his original post. He did not dispute the claim, implying that he may suffer from the condition due to his career in the physically demanding division. Kelce seems to take it in stride, emphasizing that life is not guaranteed, and he values the impact he has made both on and off the field.
NEWS: #Eagles legend Jason Kelce says that he thinks he has CTE
“I mean I can virtually guarantee that I have CTE.” pic.twitter.com/IDB1LrTVip
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 10, 2024
The admission
Kelce’s public admission of having CTE raises concerns for the NFL, which is already facing a lawsuit involving a former player, Phillip Adams, who committed a violent crime. Adams’ family is suing the NFL, blaming the sport for his behavior. In the past, the NFL has been criticized for its handling of brain trauma research, including attacking the reputation of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovered CTE. Kelce’s disclosure adds to the NFL’s challenges in ensuring player safety.
The concerns
Jason Kelce, the 35-year-old Philadelphia Eagles center, has candidly opened up about his concerns regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Kelce.” In this documentary, which focuses on his life during the 2022-2023 season, Kelce reflects on the trade-offs of playing football and how it might impact his family’s future.
The fear
He acknowledges that while some players live long, healthy lives, others end up suffering from CTE—a brain disease diagnosed in many deceased professional football players. Kelce expresses fear about the long-term effects of playing football and wonders if it might come back to haunt him. Despite these concerns, he also recognizes the positive aspects of his career, including providing for his family and being an influential member of the city of Philadelphia.
Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles' legendary center, recently revealed that he believes he has chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head trauma. Kelce made these comments during an appearance on the "New Heights"…
— The Dogefather🌕 (@dogefather_Twit) May 11, 2024
The family
Interestingly, during a conversation on the podcast “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce,” Jason’s wife, Kylie Kelce, revealed that he tends to be the fun parent when he’s at home. However, there are moments when she has to play “bad cop” and ask for his help when their three daughters—Bennett Llewellyn, Elliotte, and Wyatt—get into minor mishaps.
The retirement
Jason Kelce’s retirement announcement was also linked to mental fatigue and the toll of playing football. He humorously referred to a moment when he struggled to recall a teammate’s injury date as “the CTE creeping in”. His openness about these challenges sheds light on the physical and mental toll that professional athletes face.
Fans’ reactions
how he been convincing himself to come back for one more ring pic.twitter.com/2mGciHPvfq
— Boobie CoxHurts🫡 (@OGboobiehurts1) May 10, 2024
People complain about NFL getting closer to flag football, but none of us wish CTE on any player
— Creed Atlas (@CoachCreed1) May 10, 2024
That’s sad. Hopefully the guy can get the help he needs. Being aware of the issue is a crucial step in the process 🙏
— Big Apple Triple Threat: Rangers, Jets, & Mets (@Big_Apple_TT) May 11, 2024
I would hate to deal with CTE, terrifying
— Wesley (@movienumberfact) May 11, 2024
CTE ain’t got nothing on Jason KelCTE. pic.twitter.com/CPk1mUsEH9
— Philly Philly 🦅🅰️🐕 (@MonsieurPhilly) May 11, 2024
Looks like Jason has been hitting the opposition a little too hard on the field!
— MrPrezidhent (@MrPrezidhent) May 11, 2024
Anyone who takes that many hits is definitely a candidate
— UrbanHawker (@305Austringer) May 10, 2024
The self awareness is nice. Every nfl player has it to some degree, especially if you played over a decade.
— FirstName LastName (@_717jayden) May 11, 2024
CTE is a gumbo pot of symptoms. Everyone may have CTE depending on how they fill out their symptom chart
— G**d *er*** (@correctionopin) May 11, 2024
Conclusion
Jason Kelce’s candidness about CTE highlights the complex realities faced by athletes, their families, and the choices they make throughout their careers. It’s a reminder that sports careers come with both triumphs and sacrifices, and Kelce’s perspective adds depth to the conversation surrounding player health and well-being.
