by Jason Kelce’s Illustrious Career with the Philadelphia Eagles
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Jason Kelce has had an incredible career since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. In over a decade with the team, Kelce has established himself as one of the greatest centers in franchise history and a beloved figure in Philadelphia. While stats and honors are part of Kelce’s legacy, what truly defines his career are the countless memorable moments both on and off the field. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at some of Jason Kelce’s most notable highlights and achievements during his time as an Eagle.
Super Bowl LII Victory and Speech
Without question, the pinnacle of Kelce’s career was the Eagles’ improbable Super Bowl LII championship over the New England Patriots in 2018. As the starting center, Kelce played a pivotal role in Philadelphia’s offensive success that season, helping lead them to their first ever Lombardi Trophy.
However, it was Kelce’s emotional speech immediately following the Super Bowl that truly cemented his legacy. With thousands of fans celebrating in the streets of Philly, Kelce grabbed the microphone during the post-game ceremony and delivered one of the most rousing speeches in championship history. With tears in his eyes, Kelce declared the city of Philadelphia champions and urged fans to continue embracing the underdog mentality that had defined the team’s run.
Kelce’s raw passion and love for the city was on full display. The speech has since been replayed countless times and become the rallying cry for Eagles fans everywhere. It perfectly captured the emotion and significance of the first championship for a city and fanbase that had waited over 50 years. That night, Kelce not only helped deliver a title but also defined the grit, heart, and never-say-die attitude of Philly sports. His Super Bowl performance and subsequent speech will forever be remembered as the crowning achievement of his career.
Breaking the Eagles’ Consecutive Starts Record
While the Super Bowl was the pinnacle, Kelce has also defined himself through incredible consistency and durability. In 2019, he broke the franchise record for most consecutive regular season starts by an Eagles offensive lineman that had stood for over 30 years. Kelce started his 134th straight game, surpassing the great Jerry Sisemore.
The streak was a testament to Kelce’s toughness and commitment to suiting up each Sunday, no matter the circumstance. He played through countless minor injuries and ailments that would sideline most players. It showed Kelce’s unwavering dedication to his teammates and to being available and reliable for the Eagles week in and week out. While stats can’t fully capture it, the consecutive starts record serves as one way to quantify Kelce’s tremendous longevity and exemplifies why he’s been such an ironman for Philadelphia.
The Eagles’ Christmas Album
Off the field, Kelce has also provided Eagles fans with plenty of memorable moments over the years. In 2015, Kelce partnered with fellow offensive linemen Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, and Brent Celek to release a Christmas album titled “The Eagles Christmas Album”. All proceeds from the album’s sales went to charity.
The album was a hilarious and lighthearted way for the big men up front to give back during the holidays. Songs included “All I Want for Christmas is Tackles” and “Jingle Bell Drunk” and featured the linemen doing their best to sing Christmas classics. While far from technically proficient musically, the album showed Kelce’s fun personality, commitment to philanthropy, and the comedic chemistry he shares with his O-line brothers. It gave fans a glimpse of the locker room camaraderie and provided some much needed laughs during the offseason.
Beyond the Field
Beyond his on-field exploits, Kelce has also endeared himself to Philadelphia through his larger than life personality displayed outside of football. He regularly entertains fans with his witty tweets, podcast appearances, and hilarious antics.
Kelce co-hosts “New Heights” with his brother Travis, center for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The podcast provides a fun glimpse into their relationship and lives away from sports. Additionally, after Travis’ Lightning won the 2020 Stanley Cup, Jason famously hoisted his young nephew “Baby Benny” up to the trophy. The wholesome moment, showing family comes before anything for Kelce, instantly became a feel-good viral video loved by hockey and football fans alike.
These types of offbeat moments have helped further connect Kelce to his city and cement his status as a true fan favorite. He understands the importance of community and bringing joy to others, whether through charity work or just giving the people what they want to see on social media. More than any stat or accolade, it is Kelce’s larger than life personality and care for Philadelphia that has endured him to its sports fans.
Lasting Legacy
When considering Jason Kelce’s career highlights, it’s impossible to narrow it down to just a few moments. From his gutsy Super Bowl performance and championship-clinching speech to rewriting the Eagles’ record books with his ironman streak, Kelce has cemented himself as a Philadelphia sports legend.
But beyond stats and trophies, it is Kelce’s heart, grit, passion for the city and fun-loving personality that have truly defined his legacy. Through it all, Kelce has served as the ultimate warrior and leader for his team while also bringing joy and providing fans with moments they’ll never forget. As his career winds down, Kelce’s impact on Eagles history is indisputable. He’ll forever be remembered as one of the franchise’s greatest and most beloved characters.
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