Could Eagles' Jason Kelce Be on Unofficial 2023 Retirement Tour?
Thursday was the start of the NFL season when the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off the year in a 21-20 home loss to Detroit Lions. But with that season-opening game, have we seen the start of the final stage for the career of the Kelce brothers?
Last year was the first time two brothers had ever gone against one another in a Super Bowl when the Chiefs squared off with the Philadelphia Eagles. Likely Hall of Famers Jason and Travis Kelce becoming one of the major storylines preceding the game.
However, Thursday could've marked the start of the end for both brothers. This season will be Jason’s 13th year and Travis’ 11th. After a decade of both men being nearly unstoppable, this season already feels different.
For what seems like the first time since he became a household name, Travis’ health is being questioned. The soon-to-be 34-year-old has eight consecutive Pro Bowl appearances dating back to 2015, seven All-Pro appearances, and two Super Bowl wins. However, he was missed Thursday's game due to the hyperextended knee he suffered during practice earlier in the week.
The Kelce brothers have reached unparalleled success in the NFL as two of the greatest to ever play their positions.
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As for Philly’s Kelce, big brother Jason (turning 36) has a documentary airing on Amazon Prime that feels Man in the Arena-esque, as though it’s signaling the impending retirement of the Eagles legend with six pro bowls, five first-team All-Pros, and a Super Bowl victory.
After years of success and athletic dominance, this season marks the first time that the Kelce brothers are seemingly approaching the end of their football mortality.
So, as fans watched the season opener, it might've been a good time to consider that the end of an era may also be unfolding. With the Kelce brothers podcast New Heights already finding success during their playing days, it’s not hard to imagine a Manning cast type of format in the brothers’ future.
Both Philadelphia and Kansas City fans alike should enjoy this season and view it with some nostalgia. It could mark the impending retirement of two of their franchises’ all-time great players.
