Down Angle Symbol A symbol in the form of an angle pointing downwards. Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Kelce cried as he announced his retirement from the NFL. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
- Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL in a press conference on Monday.
- The Philadelphia Eagles center thanked his family and team for their support throughout his 13-year career.
- Travis Kelce also couldn't hide his emotions during his brother's speech, even though he was wearing sunglasses.
Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL during a press conference on Monday — and he was five seconds into his speech before he started crying.
“Thanks for coming, guys. We’ll see how long this lasts,” Kelce said before becoming overwhelmed with emotion.
“Not a good start, here we are,” he said, according to the video, after taking a few moments to compose himself.
Jason Kelce holds back tears as he announces his retirement during an NFL press conference on Monday. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The Philadelphia Eagles center gave a 40-minute speech during the conference and thanked everyone around him for their support during his 13-year career with the team.
Kelce's wife, parents and younger brother Travis Kelce were all in attendance, according to ESPN.
Despite wearing sunglasses, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end also couldn't hide his emotions during his brother's speech, photos show.
Travis Kelce, Donna Kelce, Ed Kelce and Kylie McDevitt Kelce listen as Jason Kelce announces his retirement at an NFL press conference. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
“We have a small family, no cousins, an aunt, an uncle. It’s actually been my brother and I our whole lives,” Kelce said. “We did almost everything together – competed, fought, laughed, cried and learned from each other. We invented games and imagined ourselves as star players of the time.”
Kelce added that there was “no chance” he would be where he is today without the bond he shared with his younger brother.
“It made me stronger, tougher and smarter and taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty, patience and understanding,” Kelce said. “It is only too poetic that my career was fulfilled in the City of Brotherly Love. I knew this relationship all too well.”
Jason Kelce's wife, Kylie McDevitt Kelce, listens to him during an NFL football press conference where he announces his retirement. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
During the speech, Kelce also thanked his wife Kylie, who was by his side.
“Every award I’ve ever received has been with me in my life. “She brought out the best in me through love, dedication, support, honesty, intelligence and of course the quick kick from time to time,” Kelce said, according to the video. “She also gave me three beautiful girls and a life that is increasingly more fulfilling off the field than on it.”
Rumors of Kelce's retirement first surfaced in January after the Eagles lost 32-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card playoffs.
League sources told ESPN at the time that Kelce informed his teammates in the locker room after the game of his plans to retire. NFL Networks Mike Garafolo also posted the news on X.