Brandon Graham’s surprise comeback has NFL fans buzzing. Just seven months after announcing his retirement, the veteran defensive end is returning to the Philadelphia Eagles. Naturally, this has sparked speculation about another beloved Eagle: Jason Kelce. But the former All-Pro center has just shut down those hopes.
Kelce officially retired at the end of the 2024 season, delivering an emotional press conference attended by his entire family-including his brother, Travis. Since then, he’s remained nearly as busy as he was during his playing days.
His top priority post-retirement? Family. Beyond that, Kelce has fully embraced his new roles as an ESPN analyst and co-host of the New Heights podcast alongside Travis.
It was on that very podcast that Travis floated a wild idea: if Jason ever wanted to return to the NFL, why not do it in a brand-new role-tight end?
Jason Kelce… at tight end?
In the latest episode of New Heights, the brothers discussed Graham’s decision to unretire. Jason made it clear where he stands: “If you’re not ready to retire, you shouldn’t.”
That’s when Travis, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, chimed in: “Now you’re a lean 265 [pounds]… they could use you more than just on the offensive line. We could use you at tight end now.”
Jason, who played running back and linebacker in high school, laughed off the idea. At 37, he says his body is ready for a break. “I would go out there, and my body would crumble if I tried to play football at this point,” he joked.
“I knew my body was done when I was done,” he added. In fact, he admitted that even in retirement, he’s managed to injure himself just jumping rope or bench pressing. “I don’t have it anymore, and I’m very comfortable admitting that.”
Kelce doesn’t need football anymore-and he knows it
According to industry estimates, Jason Kelce’s net worth sits around $50 million. And his post-football ventures are proving just as lucrative as his playing career.
His ESPN contract alone is reportedly worth $24 million over three years. On top of that, he and Travis inked a massive three-year, $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery podcast platform.
Add in sponsorships with brands like Tide, Campbell’s, and Old Spice, plus his new show They Call It Late Night, and it’s clear: Jason Kelce has neither the need nor the desire to return to the field.
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