Jason Kelce, age 36, gave a teary speech announcing his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles after 13 years. In one two-minute clip, he poignantly highlighted the beauty and wholesomeness of marriage, family, and fatherhood.

Put aside all accolades, this right here shows how great this man is. Jason Kelce talks about the importance his wife has played in his life, but also what it means to be a father who is present in his children’s lives as he announces his retirement today: pic.twitter.com/hPErqFDpxT

— JJ Kitchen (@JJ_Kitchen40) March 5, 2024

Kelce vividly described how he met his wife while playing for the Eagles:

I won’t forget the Eagles Christmas party in 2014, and heading out afterwards with a bunch of teammates to Buffalo Billiards where my life would change forever. That night I’d meet my future wife. I still remember the moment she walked through the door. The first instance is burned in my retina.

Kelce picked up a rag and wiped his tears before continuing:

It was like she glided through the opening. An aura around her. Then she started talking. And I thought, “Man, is this what love feels like?” She was beautiful and smart, serious, yet playful. I knew it right away.

Kelce then discussed the goodness his wife has brought to his life, highlighting how she not only supported him towards a more successful career, but also gave him a family life that means more than that career:

I think it’s no coincidence I have enjoyed my best years of my career with Kylie by my side. Every accolade I have ever received has come with her in my life. 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. We’ve had a great run, Ky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Kylie (McDevitt) Kelce (@kykelce)

The father of three little girls then made a strong statement about the significance of fathers within society:

I am a product of my upbringing. 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 may be the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society.

He then highlighted the positive influence of his own father:

And I have a d*** good one. 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.

Kelce’s wife Kylie, brother Travis of the Kansas City Chiefs, and parents Ed and Donna looked on as he delivered the 39-minute speech, The Daily Mail reported. Travis, wearing sunglasses, cried as he listened.

Aliya Kuykendall is a staff writer and proofreader for The Stream. You can follow her on X @AliyaKuykendall and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.