Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce called fatherhood the “greatest gift” during his official press conference announcing his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons.
During a lengthy press conference at Eagles headquarters on Monday, Kelce got emotional as he thanked his parents — whom he called his inspiration for being the best father he could be to his three young daughters with wife Kylie Kelce.
“I am a product of my upbringing,” Kelce said. “I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father. A father who is present, loving, devoted, just might be the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society.”
“And I have a damn good one,” he added. “My father believed in me more than anyone. He believed in my brother and whenever my own insecurities would arise or self doubt would come in he would stifle them with the warm embrace of belief, unwavering love, and belief … He was the man and continues to be the man and father I strive to be.”
Jason Kelce talking about the importance of fathers in his retirement speech: “I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father. A father who is present, devoted, and loving is the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society.” pic.twitter.com/6covemvotz
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“I like to think I got my toughness, aggression & lunch-pail mentality from my father,” Kelce continued. “And from my mother I learned the all-too-important lesson of never letting anyone tell you what you can’t do.”
The Philadelphia star also gushed about his wife and said that it is “no coincidence” that he’s “enjoyed” the “best years” of his career because Kylie was by his side.
“Every accolade I have ever received has come with her in my life,” Kelce said. “She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and of course a swift kick in the a** from time to time.”
“She has also given me three beautiful girls and a life that increasingly brings me more fulfillment off the field than it does on,” he added. “We’ve had a great run Ky.”
At the start of the presser, Kelce addressed why he “chose football” and what drew him to the game in the first place so long ago.
“The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book,” Kelce said. “It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it. Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”
He then closed out his presser by saying, “I’m retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the NFL … That’s all I’ve got.”
The six-time All-Pro center was picked in the sixth round (No. 191 overall) by the Eagles in the 2011 NFL Draft by former Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid before Reid joined Kansas City in January 2013. The Philadelphia player helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl LII victory in 2018 against the New England Patriots.