One season after he tearfully announced his NFL retirement, Jason Kelce watched his Philadelphia Eagles lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl champions after they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. The game was a difficult one for Kelce to watch given how much he loves his Eagles teammates…and how much he loves his little brother Travis, who remains an important player for the Chiefs.
But the time could come soon when both Kelce brothers are no longer in the NFL. Travis Kelce is considering retirement himself amid a down year in 2024, culminating in a poor performance against the Eagles in New Orleans. That said, the fact that both Kelce brothers each played more than a decade in the NFL and combined for four Super Bowl titles (as of now) speaks volumes about their dedication to the craft, as well as the values instilled in them from youth.
Jason thanks Donna and Ed Kelce for their many lessons
Ed and Donna Kelce, the parents of Jason and Travis, have received tremendous credit from their sons for their unwavering support that drove them forward in their NFL careers. During a recent appearance on “The Steam Room” podcast, Jason Kelce went into more detail on how his parents molded and inspired him to succeed over a 13-year NFL career.
“(Ed) instilled so much of a toughness, work ethic and mentality in me and my brother that I’ll always be indebted and grateful to him,” Jason said.
That mentality became clear during Jason’s historic career. He anchored the Eagles’ offensive line between 2011 and 2023, meriting selection to seven Pro Bowls while being voted a first-team All-Pro six times. His brawn, technique, and intelligence helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII after the 2017 season and reach Super Bowl LVII five years later — which ended in a loss to Travis Kelce’s Chiefs.
The “loving and nurturing” Donna Kelce supported her sons every step of the way, according to Jason, and continues to show up at Travis’ games. But it wasn’t until later in life — after Donna and Ed divorced, following a quarter-century of marriage — that Jason fully appreciated her work behind the scenes.
“I had no idea how hard you were working, and everything you were doing for our family,” Jason said.
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