Kylie Kelce, wife of former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce, has shared that her husband’s emotional retirement speech was four years in the making.
On Monday, Eagles legend Jason poured his heart out in front of journalists and his close family, but wife Kylie confessed that she was the only one who had heard it prior to its public delivery.
“I think I was the only one that had heard the speech before he went into it,” she said. “I think it was just a perfect summary of 13 years. It was an incredible run he had as a player in the NFL. I’ve heard multiple versions over the last four years.
“This was a completely different version. I think every year he sort of started from scratch as to what was sitting on the surface. But when he said that he was contemplating retirement for years, he means for years.”
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Eagles fans poured out their emotions online after the speech, and Jason’s family members were visibly moved. His brother Travis, dressed in all black, could be seen shedding tears when Jason thanked him for playing a big role in his career.
He also mentioned Philadelphia and his wife, Kylie. And retold how special it was when they met at a Christmas party for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014.
“I won’t forget the Eagles Christmas party in 2014 and heading out afterwards with a bunch of my teammates to Buffalo Billiards where my life would change forever. That night, I’d meet my future wife,” he shared. “I still remember the moment she walked through the door. The first instance is burned in my retina,” Jason added.
After thinking about stopping playing after the 2021 season, the center decided to keep going. He produced one of his best seasons. Even though he thought about retiring again in 2022, Jason signed a deal to play for one more year with the Eagles. They agreed to pay him $14 million, which made him the center with the biggest paycheck in the NFL.
Kelce has been picked six times as one of the best players between 2017 and 2023. Only four other centers in the whole history of the NFL have done that well, and they are all famous players in the Hall of Fame.
Kelce also triumphed in Super Bowl LII with the Eagles against the New England Patriots. He’s been a seven-time Pro Bowler, earning the honour in 2014, 2016, and every year from 2019 to 2023.