Eagles' Jason Kelce Reveals How Super Bowl Loss Steered Him Away from Retiring
In this story:
Though the Philly faithful likely don't want to hear a word of it, the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs might've benefited the team in ways that go beyond moving up just one measly spot in the 2023 NFL Draft order.
All-time franchise great and Eagles center Jason Kelce, who seemed to be balancing on the retirement line this past season, admitted in a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show that losing the big game made his decision to return next season a bit easier.
"I do think it played a factor," Kelce said. "I don't think it should. I wish it didn't. But I do think that when you go that far and get that close and it doesn't happen, I think your emotions and energy get going, and you want to do that."
Kelce admitted that he felt confused once the final seconds ticked off and the confetti rained down in Chiefs colors. His brother Travis had just won his second ring alongside coach Andy Reid, who was the head man in Philly when the Eagles selected Jason in the sixth round of the 2011 draft.
But after a few days, Kelce admitted the anger and frustration started to set in. He then announced his return for another year before inking a huge one-year, $14.25 million deal to stay in Philly, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL.
However, despite the retirement rumors, maybe returning for another year was already in the works regardless of the season's final outcome.
"If it was a different situation, I don't know what the answer would be," Kelce said. "I still think I would play. ... I was still in a position where I felt like for another year I wanted to do that. I do think losing the Super Bowl does play a factor, but I think ultimately, I still want to play football."
Signing on for $14 million next season would convince almost anyone to stay, but Philly's talented and championship-caliber roster definitely added to Kelce's motivation of making another run at his second ring.
"You know it's close, and you know the team is gonna be good next year as long as everybody stays healthy," he said. "We're returning a lot of pieces on offense. So, yeah, that all plays a factor."
Eagles fans certainly would've loved to see Kelce retire under different circumstances, as his departure likely would've meant Philly had beaten the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.. Seeing him leave would've hurt, but going out on top makes it all worth it.
But hopefully for Kelce and the rest of the Eagles' sake, they'll have to hold these heartfelt feelings off for another year, as 2023 will no doubt be a Super Bowl-or-bust season for the defending NFC champs.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
