The Philadelphia Eagles won’t have to worry about replacing a future Hall-of-Famer on their offensive line in 2023. With the start of the new league year just a few days away, center Jason Kelce announced via Twitter on Monday that he would be returning for his 13th season.
“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” Kelce wrote in a tweet. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t ******* done yet!”
I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season. After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me, I ain’t fucking done yet!
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) March 13, 2023
Kelce seriously contemplated walking away from the game after this past season, calling the decision “daunting” in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. However, the fact that he has limitless possibilities in his post-NFL career, including the “New Heights” podcast he does with his brother, Travis, allowed for him to run it back for another season.
While Kelce may have some unfinished business, the news comes as a bit of a surprise considering that he helped handpick his eventual successor in Cam Jurgens. Though, according to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, the Eagles will look to slide the former second-round pick to guard, as Jurgens has received some solid early returns.
The NFL world reacted to the news that Kelce would be running it back for another season, as the 35-year-old veteran center received some positive returns on social media.
92%ers GET AS HYPED AS HOWIE! @JasonKelce is BACK with the @Eagles
Here’s the behind the scenes moment when Jason shared his decision https://t.co/GKKMfEVP0h pic.twitter.com/TyaesOcxf9
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 13, 2023
This interview in Indy was too much fun. He got me loosened up with the tequila! https://t.co/XoZ0ekXKXg
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) March 13, 2023
More Jason Kelce playing = good https://t.co/JQ0A8Aq2g7
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) March 13, 2023
Large contingent of Jason Kelce haters out there take a big hit. Will be interesting to see if they can rebound.
(In all seriousness, very glad this stud is back) https://t.co/j2ECOm7sKA
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 13, 2023
As for what Jason Kelce's return means for Cam Jurgens, he could be a candidate to replace Isaac Seumalo, assuming he leaves, at RG.
Jurgens has only played at center on the O-line, but he trained some at guard once the #Eagles' season began. Was delayed by Kelce elbow surgery.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 13, 2023
Jason Kelce is back.
One of the best Eagles of all time. LET’S GO. pic.twitter.com/Q4qhGRZrsS
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) March 13, 2023
[Jason Kelce on Twitter, Mike Garafolo on Twitter, Philadelphia Inquirer]
