March 4, 2024 • 15 mins
In this emotional and inspiring podcast episode, we delve into the heartfelt retirement ceremony of Jason Kelce, the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center. We explore his incredible journey from underdog to icon, the unbreakable bonds he forged with his teammates and the city of Philadelphia, and the touching moments shared with his family, including his brother Travis Kelce. This unforgettable story, brought to you by QuietPlease podcast networks, celebrates the lasting impact of a true Philadelphia legend and the power of sports to bring people together and change lives forever.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey, they're Eagles fans and footballlovers alike. If you're looking for a
heartwarming, inspiring, and unforgettable story, then you've come to the right place.
Today, we're diving deep into theemotional retirement ceremony of Jason Kelsey,
the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center who hascaptured the hearts of fans across the nation.
(00:23):
In this podcast, we'll take youon a journey through Jason's incredible career,
from his early days as an underdogto his rise as one of the
most beloved figures in Philadelphia sports history. You'll hear about the tears, the
laughter, and the unbreakable bonds thathave defined Jason's time with the Eagles,
(00:43):
both on and off the field.But this isn't just a story about football.
It's a story about family, aboutbrotherhood, about the power of perseverance
and the unbreakable spirit of a citythat never gives up. From Jason's emotional
true to his wife Kylie to thetouching moment when his brother Travis Kelcey fought
(01:06):
back tears in the audience, thisis a tale that will tug at your
heart strings and leave you inspired.So whether you're a diehard Eagles fan or
simply someone who loves a great story. This is a podcast you won't want
to miss. Get ready to laugh, to cry, and to be reminded
of the incredible power of sports tobring people together and change lives forever.
(01:30):
Let's dive in and celebrate the oneand only Jason Kelcey, a true Philadelphia
legend. Gather around everyone, becausetoday we're going to celebrate a true legend,
a man whose heart and soul havebeen woven into the very fabric of
this city for the past thirteen years. Today we're here to honor the one
(01:52):
and only Jason Kelcey, the AllPro center who has been the beating heart
of the Philadelphia Eagles, both onand off the field. And as we
bid farewell to this incredible athlete,leader, and friend, we do so
with a mixture of sadness and gratitude, knowing that his legacy will live on
(02:13):
forever in the annals of Eagle's history. The news of Jason's retirement didn't come
as a complete surprise to those whohad been paying attention. After all,
it was only a few short monthsago that Adam Schefter, the NFL's most
notorious Insider had reported that Jason hadinformed his teammates of his decision following a
(02:36):
heartbreaking playoff loss. But true toform, Jason wanted to do things the
right way. He wanted to standbefore the people who mattered most to him,
his team mates, his coaches,and the fans who had been with
him every step of the way,and share his thoughts, his feelings,
and his gratitude for an incredible journeythat had spanned more than a decade.
(03:00):
And so on a warm spring day, Jason Kelsey took the stage at the
Nova Care Complex, the very heartof the Eagles organization. As he stepped
up to the microphone, you couldfeel the emotion in the air, thick
and palpable. This wasn't just anotherpress conference. This was a moment that
(03:21):
would be etched in the memories ofevery one present, a moment that would
go down in Philadelphia sports history.As Jason began to speak, the tears
started to flow almost immediately. Nota good start, he joked, trying
to lighten the mood, but weall knew that those tears were a testament
to the deep love and passion hehad for this game, for this team,
(03:45):
for this city. And as hepulled out a pre written statement,
a heartfelt thank you to all thepeople who had made his journey possible,
it became clear that this was aman who understood the true meaning of gratitude.
He started by giving a shout outto Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of
the Eagles, praising him for thelove and appreciation he had always shown to
(04:11):
his players. It was a reminderthat the Eagles organization isn't just about winning
games. It's about building a family, a community, a sense of belonging
that extends far beyond the field ofplay. But Jason, ever the jokester,
couldn't resist taking a little jab athis former coach, Chip Kelly.
Chip Kelly putting Howie Roseman in storagecloset B he equipped and you could hear
(04:38):
the laughter rippling through the room.It was classic Kelsey, always finding a
way to inject a little humor intoeven the most emotional of moments. As
he continued, Jason made sure toshine a spotlight on some of the unsung
heroes of the organization, the peoplewho worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make
(04:58):
everything possible. He singled out DomDesandro, the team's head athletic trainer,
calling him the life force of thisorganization. It was a powerful reminder that
success in the NFL isn't just aboutthe players on the field. It's about
the entire team, from the coachesto the trainers to the front office staff,
(05:21):
all working together towards a common goal. But when Jason started to reflect
on some of his favorite moments inan Eagle's uniform, that's when the emotions
really started to flow. He spokeabout the unforgettable snowball game in twenty thirteen,
calling it the most fun he'd everhad on a football field. He
(05:42):
reminisced about the Philly Special, thaticonic trick play in Super Bowl l e
O that will live on in NFLlore forever, Nick Foles having the biggest
dick on the team calling the PhillySpecial, Jason said, with a grin,
and Doug Petterson having the biggest ballsto say, Yeah, let's do
it. It was a moment thatperfectly encapsulated the spirit of this Eagle's team,
(06:09):
the creativity, the fearlessness, thewillingness to take risks and defy expectations.
And it was a moment that spokevolumes about the kind of player,
the kind of leader that Jason Kelseyhad been throughout his career. But for
Jason, the true magic of playingin Philadelphia wasn't just about the big plays
(06:30):
or the flashy moments. It wasabout the deep, unbreakable bond he felt
with the city and its fans.He spoke about the passion that courses through
the veins of every Eagles fan,a passion that has been passed down from
generation to generation. You get backwhat you put into this city, he
said, his voice thick with emotion, and it was a message that resonated
(06:55):
with everyone in the room, becausethat's what makes Philadelphia so special. The
grit, the determination, the neversay die attitude that defines this city and
its people. It's a place wherehard work and dedication are valued above all
else where the underdog always has afighting chance, and where the bonds of
(07:17):
community and family run deep and strong. Jason also took a moment to reflect
on the people who had shaped him, both as a player and as a
person. He spoke about his offensiveline coach Jeff Stoutland, choking back tears
as he described him as the mostinfluential and meaningful person in his career.
(07:40):
He shared a story from twenty sixteenwhen he was going through a rough patch
and trade rumors were swirling. CoachStoutland had been there for him, had
believed in him, had helped himweather the storm and come out stronger on
the other side. It was apowerful reminder of the impact that one person
can have on another's life, ofthe incredible bonds that are forged through shared
(08:05):
struggles and triumphs. And it spokevolumes about the kind of leader, the
kind of mentor that Jeff Stoutlin hadbeen to Jason and so many other players
over the years. But perhaps themost emotional moment of Jason's speech came when
he spoke about his wife, Kylie. It's not a coincidence, he said,
his voice cracking with emotion, thatI've played my best football since meeting
(08:28):
her. He went on to describehow she had been his rock, his
guiding light, the person who hadbrought out the best in him both on
and off the field through her love, her support, her honesty, and
even the occasional swift kick in theass. Kylie had been the secret weapon
behind Jason's success. She had beenthere for him through the ups and downs,
(08:54):
the triumphs and the challenges, alwayspushing him to be his best self,
always reminding him of what truly matteredin life. As Jason spoke,
his brother, Travis, the allpro tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs,
watched from the audience, his owneyes glistening with tears. The bond
(09:16):
between these two brothers is legendary,a testament to the power of family and
the unbreakable ties that bind. Fromtheir earliest days playing backyard football to their
epic showdown in Super Bowl LV,Jason and Travis have been each other's biggest
supporters, each other's fiercest competitors,each other's best friends, and in a
(09:39):
touching display of love and solidarity,Travis wore a bracelet adorned with lyrics from
his girlfriend, the pop superstar TaylorSwift. It was a small gesture,
but one that spoke volumes about theincredible support system that surrounds Jason, both
on and off the field. Itwas a reminder that no matter what challenges
(10:01):
life may bring, he will alwayshave the love and support of his family,
his friends, and his fans.As Jason's speech drew to a close,
there wasn't a dry eye in thehouse. It was a moment that
will be forever etched in the memoriesof everyone who was lucky enough to witness
(10:22):
it, a moment that encapsulated everythingthat makes the Philadelphia Eagles organization so special.
Because Jason Kelsey wasn't just a footballplayer. He was a symbol of
everything that this city stands for,the grit, the determination, the unwavering
spirit that has defined Philadelphia for generations. And so as we say goodbye to
(10:46):
this incredible athlete, leader, andfriend, we do so with a sense
of gratitude and pride. We aregrateful for the countless memories he has given
us, for the way he hasrepresented our city with class and integrity,
for the impact he has had oncountless lives, both on and off the
field, and we are proud tocall him one of our own, a
(11:11):
true Philadelphia legend whose legacy will liveon forever. But even as we bid
farewell to Jason Kelsey the player,we know that his impact will continue to
be felt for years to come.He has set an example for future generations
of Eagles players, showing them whatit means to be a leader, a
(11:33):
teammate, a true professional in everysense of the word. He has inspired
countless young people across the city andbeyond, showing them that with hard work,
dedication, and a never say dieattitude, anything is possible. And
so as we move forward into anew era of Eagles football, we do
(11:56):
so with a sense of excitement andpossibility. We know that the lessons Jason
Kelsey has taught us will continue toguide us, that his spirit will live
on in every player who puts onthat midnight green jersey. We know that
no matter what challenges may come ourway, we will face them with the
(12:16):
same grit, determination, and unwaveringbelief in ourselves and each other that Jason
embodied so perfectly. To Jason,we say thank you. Thank you for
the memories, the laughter, thetears of joy. Thank you for showing
us what it means to be atrue Eagle on and off the field.
(12:37):
Your impact will be felt for generationsto come. Your name will be spoken
with reverence in households across the DelawareValley and beyond, and to the rest
of us. Let this be acall to action. Let us honor Jason
Kelsey's legacy by living up to theexample he has set by pouring our hearts
(12:58):
and souls into everything we do.Let us embrace the underdog mentality that has
defined this franchise for so long.Let us never stop believing in ourselves and
in each other, because that's whatJason would want, That's what Philadelphia demands.
So let the tears flow, letthe memories wash over us, But
(13:22):
then let's dry our eyes, rollup our sleeves, and get back to
work. We've got a legacy touphold, a city, to represent,
a championship to chase, and withthe spirit of Jason kelce guiding us,
with the love and support of thisincredible community lifting us up, there's nothing
we can't achieve. Fly Eagles Fly, and thank you Jason Kelcey from the
(13:46):
bottom of our hearts. You'll alwaysbe one of us, Always in forever.
Hanks for tuning into this special episodecelebrating the incredible career and legacy of
Jason Kelcey. We hope you enjoyedthis emotional and inspiring journey through the life
and times of one of Philadelphia's mostbeloved sports icons. If you loved what
(14:09):
you heard, be sure to subscribeto our podcast for more unforgettable stories from
the world of sports and beyond.We've got plenty of exciting episodes in the
works and you won't want to missa single one. Before we go,
we want to give a special shoutout to our friends at Quiet Please Podcast
Networks for making this episode possible.Quiet Please is dedicated to bringing you the
(14:35):
best in audio storytelling, from grippingnarratives to thought provoking conversations with some of
the most fascinating people in the world. So once again, thanks for listening,
and until next time, keep chasingyour dreams and never giving up.
As Jason Kelsey has shown us,with hard work, determination, and a
(14:56):
little bit of filly grit, anythingis possible. This is the Quiet Pleased
podcast Network, Signing off,
Hey, they're Eagles fans and footballlovers alike. If you're looking for a
heartwarming, inspiring, and unforgettable story, then you've come to the right place.
Today, we're diving deep into theemotional retirement ceremony of Jason Kelsey,
the legendary Philadelphia Eagles center who hascaptured the hearts of fans across the nation.
(00:23):
In this podcast, we'll take youon a journey through Jason's incredible career,
from his early days as an underdogto his rise as one of the
most beloved figures in Philadelphia sports history. You'll hear about the tears, the
laughter, and the unbreakable bonds thathave defined Jason's time with the Eagles,
(00:43):
both on and off the field.But this isn't just a story about football.
It's a story about family, aboutbrotherhood, about the power of perseverance
and the unbreakable spirit of a citythat never gives up. From Jason's emotional
true to his wife Kylie to thetouching moment when his brother Travis Kelcey fought
(01:06):
back tears in the audience, thisis a tale that will tug at your
heart strings and leave you inspired.So whether you're a diehard Eagles fan or
simply someone who loves a great story. This is a podcast you won't want
to miss. Get ready to laugh, to cry, and to be reminded
of the incredible power of sports tobring people together and change lives forever.
(01:30):
Let's dive in and celebrate the oneand only Jason Kelcey, a true Philadelphia
legend. Gather around everyone, becausetoday we're going to celebrate a true legend,
a man whose heart and soul havebeen woven into the very fabric of
this city for the past thirteen years. Today we're here to honor the one
(01:52):
and only Jason Kelcey, the AllPro center who has been the beating heart
of the Philadelphia Eagles, both onand off the field. And as we
bid farewell to this incredible athlete,leader, and friend, we do so
with a mixture of sadness and gratitude, knowing that his legacy will live on
(02:13):
forever in the annals of Eagle's history. The news of Jason's retirement didn't come
as a complete surprise to those whohad been paying attention. After all,
it was only a few short monthsago that Adam Schefter, the NFL's most
notorious Insider had reported that Jason hadinformed his teammates of his decision following a
(02:36):
heartbreaking playoff loss. But true toform, Jason wanted to do things the
right way. He wanted to standbefore the people who mattered most to him,
his team mates, his coaches,and the fans who had been with
him every step of the way,and share his thoughts, his feelings,
and his gratitude for an incredible journeythat had spanned more than a decade.
(03:00):
And so on a warm spring day, Jason Kelsey took the stage at the
Nova Care Complex, the very heartof the Eagles organization. As he stepped
up to the microphone, you couldfeel the emotion in the air, thick
and palpable. This wasn't just anotherpress conference. This was a moment that
(03:21):
would be etched in the memories ofevery one present, a moment that would
go down in Philadelphia sports history.As Jason began to speak, the tears
started to flow almost immediately. Nota good start, he joked, trying
to lighten the mood, but weall knew that those tears were a testament
to the deep love and passion hehad for this game, for this team,
(03:45):
for this city. And as hepulled out a pre written statement,
a heartfelt thank you to all thepeople who had made his journey possible,
it became clear that this was aman who understood the true meaning of gratitude.
He started by giving a shout outto Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of
the Eagles, praising him for thelove and appreciation he had always shown to
(04:11):
his players. It was a reminderthat the Eagles organization isn't just about winning
games. It's about building a family, a community, a sense of belonging
that extends far beyond the field ofplay. But Jason, ever the jokester,
couldn't resist taking a little jab athis former coach, Chip Kelly.
Chip Kelly putting Howie Roseman in storagecloset B he equipped and you could hear
(04:38):
the laughter rippling through the room.It was classic Kelsey, always finding a
way to inject a little humor intoeven the most emotional of moments. As
he continued, Jason made sure toshine a spotlight on some of the unsung
heroes of the organization, the peoplewho worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make
(04:58):
everything possible. He singled out DomDesandro, the team's head athletic trainer,
calling him the life force of thisorganization. It was a powerful reminder that
success in the NFL isn't just aboutthe players on the field. It's about
the entire team, from the coachesto the trainers to the front office staff,
(05:21):
all working together towards a common goal. But when Jason started to reflect
on some of his favorite moments inan Eagle's uniform, that's when the emotions
really started to flow. He spokeabout the unforgettable snowball game in twenty thirteen,
calling it the most fun he'd everhad on a football field. He
(05:42):
reminisced about the Philly Special, thaticonic trick play in Super Bowl l e
O that will live on in NFLlore forever, Nick Foles having the biggest
dick on the team calling the PhillySpecial, Jason said, with a grin,
and Doug Petterson having the biggest ballsto say, Yeah, let's do
it. It was a moment thatperfectly encapsulated the spirit of this Eagle's team,
(06:09):
the creativity, the fearlessness, thewillingness to take risks and defy expectations.
And it was a moment that spokevolumes about the kind of player,
the kind of leader that Jason Kelseyhad been throughout his career. But for
Jason, the true magic of playingin Philadelphia wasn't just about the big plays
(06:30):
or the flashy moments. It wasabout the deep, unbreakable bond he felt
with the city and its fans.He spoke about the passion that courses through
the veins of every Eagles fan,a passion that has been passed down from
generation to generation. You get backwhat you put into this city, he
said, his voice thick with emotion, and it was a message that resonated
(06:55):
with everyone in the room, becausethat's what makes Philadelphia so special. The
grit, the determination, the neversay die attitude that defines this city and
its people. It's a place wherehard work and dedication are valued above all
else where the underdog always has afighting chance, and where the bonds of
(07:17):
community and family run deep and strong. Jason also took a moment to reflect
on the people who had shaped him, both as a player and as a
person. He spoke about his offensiveline coach Jeff Stoutland, choking back tears
as he described him as the mostinfluential and meaningful person in his career.
(07:40):
He shared a story from twenty sixteenwhen he was going through a rough patch
and trade rumors were swirling. CoachStoutland had been there for him, had
believed in him, had helped himweather the storm and come out stronger on
the other side. It was apowerful reminder of the impact that one person
can have on another's life, ofthe incredible bonds that are forged through shared
(08:05):
struggles and triumphs. And it spokevolumes about the kind of leader, the
kind of mentor that Jeff Stoutlin hadbeen to Jason and so many other players
over the years. But perhaps themost emotional moment of Jason's speech came when
he spoke about his wife, Kylie. It's not a coincidence, he said,
his voice cracking with emotion, thatI've played my best football since meeting
(08:28):
her. He went on to describehow she had been his rock, his
guiding light, the person who hadbrought out the best in him both on
and off the field through her love, her support, her honesty, and
even the occasional swift kick in theass. Kylie had been the secret weapon
behind Jason's success. She had beenthere for him through the ups and downs,
(08:54):
the triumphs and the challenges, alwayspushing him to be his best self,
always reminding him of what truly matteredin life. As Jason spoke,
his brother, Travis, the allpro tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs,
watched from the audience, his owneyes glistening with tears. The bond
(09:16):
between these two brothers is legendary,a testament to the power of family and
the unbreakable ties that bind. Fromtheir earliest days playing backyard football to their
epic showdown in Super Bowl LV,Jason and Travis have been each other's biggest
supporters, each other's fiercest competitors,each other's best friends, and in a
(09:39):
touching display of love and solidarity,Travis wore a bracelet adorned with lyrics from
his girlfriend, the pop superstar TaylorSwift. It was a small gesture,
but one that spoke volumes about theincredible support system that surrounds Jason, both
on and off the field. Itwas a reminder that no matter what challenges
(10:01):
life may bring, he will alwayshave the love and support of his family,
his friends, and his fans.As Jason's speech drew to a close,
there wasn't a dry eye in thehouse. It was a moment that
will be forever etched in the memoriesof everyone who was lucky enough to witness
(10:22):
it, a moment that encapsulated everythingthat makes the Philadelphia Eagles organization so special.
Because Jason Kelsey wasn't just a footballplayer. He was a symbol of
everything that this city stands for,the grit, the determination, the unwavering
spirit that has defined Philadelphia for generations. And so as we say goodbye to
(10:46):
this incredible athlete, leader, andfriend, we do so with a sense
of gratitude and pride. We aregrateful for the countless memories he has given
us, for the way he hasrepresented our city with class and integrity,
for the impact he has had oncountless lives, both on and off the
field, and we are proud tocall him one of our own, a
(11:11):
true Philadelphia legend whose legacy will liveon forever. But even as we bid
farewell to Jason Kelsey the player,we know that his impact will continue to
be felt for years to come.He has set an example for future generations
of Eagles players, showing them whatit means to be a leader, a
(11:33):
teammate, a true professional in everysense of the word. He has inspired
countless young people across the city andbeyond, showing them that with hard work,
dedication, and a never say dieattitude, anything is possible. And
so as we move forward into anew era of Eagles football, we do
(11:56):
so with a sense of excitement andpossibility. We know that the lessons Jason
Kelsey has taught us will continue toguide us, that his spirit will live
on in every player who puts onthat midnight green jersey. We know that
no matter what challenges may come ourway, we will face them with the
(12:16):
same grit, determination, and unwaveringbelief in ourselves and each other that Jason
embodied so perfectly. To Jason,we say thank you. Thank you for
the memories, the laughter, thetears of joy. Thank you for showing
us what it means to be atrue Eagle on and off the field.
(12:37):
Your impact will be felt for generationsto come. Your name will be spoken
with reverence in households across the DelawareValley and beyond, and to the rest
of us. Let this be acall to action. Let us honor Jason
Kelsey's legacy by living up to theexample he has set by pouring our hearts
(12:58):
and souls into everything we do.Let us embrace the underdog mentality that has
defined this franchise for so long.Let us never stop believing in ourselves and
in each other, because that's whatJason would want, That's what Philadelphia demands.
So let the tears flow, letthe memories wash over us, But
(13:22):
then let's dry our eyes, rollup our sleeves, and get back to
work. We've got a legacy touphold, a city, to represent,
a championship to chase, and withthe spirit of Jason kelce guiding us,
with the love and support of thisincredible community lifting us up, there's nothing
we can't achieve. Fly Eagles Fly, and thank you Jason Kelcey from the
(13:46):
bottom of our hearts. You'll alwaysbe one of us, Always in forever.
Hanks for tuning into this special episodecelebrating the incredible career and legacy of
Jason Kelcey. We hope you enjoyedthis emotional and inspiring journey through the life
and times of one of Philadelphia's mostbeloved sports icons. If you loved what
(14:09):
you heard, be sure to subscribeto our podcast for more unforgettable stories from
the world of sports and beyond.We've got plenty of exciting episodes in the
works and you won't want to missa single one. Before we go,
we want to give a special shoutout to our friends at Quiet Please Podcast
Networks for making this episode possible.Quiet Please is dedicated to bringing you the
(14:35):
best in audio storytelling, from grippingnarratives to thought provoking conversations with some of
the most fascinating people in the world. So once again, thanks for listening,
and until next time, keep chasingyour dreams and never giving up.
As Jason Kelsey has shown us,with hard work, determination, and a
(14:56):
little bit of filly grit, anythingis possible. This is the Quiet Pleased
podcast Network, Signing off,
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