With Jason Kelce crying on stage and brother Travis crying in the crowd, the Kansas City Chiefs had to step in.
It was a highly emotional day for the Kelce family on Monday, as Jason announced his retirement from the NFL and began a new path that could end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Fans, players, coaches and celebrities offered praise and support for Jason, who spent 13 years leading the Philadelphia Eagles‘ offensive line and became as celebrated for his off-the-field personality as his annual Pro Bowls.
But with Travis tearing up as Jason rolled through a lengthy retirement speech, the Chiefs stepped in to try and dry eyes and bring a little levity to a serious day.
“You never played for us, but you’re still family,” Kansas City’s official account tweeted. “The game is going to miss you, Jason Kelce. Congratulations on a legendary career!”
Jason thanked a long list of friends, coaches, mentors and supporters on Monday, after teasing his retirement by saying that there wouldn’t be a keg stand in 2024.
He also went out of his way to pay tribute to Philadelphia and its die-hard fans.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in one city,” Kelce said. “I couldn’t have dreamt a better one if I tried.”
Chiefs fans loved seeing the connection between the Kelce brothers and appreciated Kansas City reaching out on an emotional day for the family.
“Eagles-Chiefs were always connected because of these two,” one fan tweeted.
You never played for us, but you're still family. The game is going to miss you @JasonKelce
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 5, 2024
Congratulations on a legendary career! pic.twitter.com/xqfnLc96iI
“I love this. Jason deserves all the respect in the world,” a second fan posted.
“You never suited up for us, but hey, you’re still part of the family,” a third fan wrote. “The game is gonna feel your absence, @JasonKelce. Congrats on an epic career!”
“At least with Travis Kelce still playing, we hopefully get to see more of Jason in Kansas City Chiefs gear,” a fourth fan said.
Jason entered the league in 2011 as a sixth-round draft pick out of Cincinnati.
The seven-time Pro Bowler became universally loved across the football world and is expected to eventually enter the Hall of Fame.
“You know what an underdog is? It’s a hungry dog,” said Jason, in a Super Bowl parade quote that summed up his career.