NFL

Jason Kelce calls press conference with NFL future hanging in the balance

Will he or won’t he?

Jason Kelce called a press conference for 1 p.m. on Monday to announce a decision about whether or not he will retire.

“No Keg videos this year, I have come to a decision and will address it at a press conference this afternoon,” Kelce posted on X.

The 13-year NFL center and future Hall of Famer has played his whole career with the Eagles after being taken in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles center, on the sideline in white uniform during the 2024 NFC wild card game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jason Kelce has called a press conference where he will announce his NFL future. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

There were multiple reports that Kelce told his teammates he was retiring in an emotional locker room scene following the team’s 32-9 wild-card loss to the Buccaneers.

However, Kelce later clarified that his postgame comments were misconstrued and he was taking time to consider his options.

“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media,” an emotional Jason told brother Travis on a Jan. 17 episode of the brothers’ “New Heights” podcast.

“I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision, I just don’t, there’s too much emotion in the moment, there’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”

Since that time, Jason spent the rest of the NFL postseason following Travis and the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run — starting with an epic shirtless performance in Buffalo and ending with a masked Super Bowl celebration in Las Vegas.

Jason has been to seven Pro Bowls and was a key part of the teams Super Bowl LII victory over the Patriots in 2018.

Jason and Travis Kelce hugging after AFC Championship Game while surrounded by people on a football field.
Jason Kelce greets brother Travis after the AFC Championship Game. AP

However, if Kelce has played his last snap, his career would be ending on a bitter note as the Eagles collapsed at the end of the season.

Philadelphia lost five of their final six games before getting decimated by Tampa Bay in the playoffs.

“I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out right now,” Kelce recently said on the “Superfly” podcast.

“Right now, exploring different opportunities if I end up retiring. Still working out and staying in shape if I end up playing again.”

Kelce met with TV executives from Fox and ESPN ahead of the Super Bowl, according to Front Office Sports, and the charisma he has displayed on his podcast would seem to make him a natural fit for television.

Jason and wife Kylie have three daughters together.