by Jason Kelce: A Career Defined by Teammates in Philadelphia
Jason Kelce spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted by the team in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over that span, Kelce developed into one of the best centers in the league and a stalwart of the Eagles’ offensive line. But Kelce’s success was never just an individual effort – it was a product of the strong relationships and chemistry he built with his teammates in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, Kelce expressed great admiration for several of those teammates who helped him achieve so much both on and off the field.
Fellow Offensive Linemen
One of the positions Kelce always seemed closest with were his fellow offensive linemen. As the center, Kelce was tasked with making all the line calls and was in constant communication with the guards and tackles on either side of him. Having a strong connection and understanding with those players directly next to him was crucial.
In interviews over the years, Kelce frequently praised guards Brandon Brooks and Isaac Seumalo. Of Brooks, who joined the Eagles in 2017, Kelce said “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. His work ethic, his preparation, his attention to detail, how he carries himself – he’s just an incredible football player.” The two developed almost a brotherly bond over their time together blocking for the Eagles offense.
Of Seumalo, who has spent his entire career with the Eagles since being drafted in 2016, Kelce said “Playing next to Isaac these last few years has been incredible. He’s so smart, so talented, so consistent. I love that dude. We’ve been side by side for so long now, we just have an instinctive understanding of each other out there.” Kelce clearly valued the chemistry and communication he built with Seumalo at left guard.
Kelce also expressed admiration for his fellow tackles over the years. Of long-time right tackle Lane Johnson, who the Eagles drafted just after Kelce in 2013, Kelce said “Lane is the best right tackle in the game, in my opinion. Blocking next to him all these years has been so fun and made me a much better player. He’s an incredible athlete.”
And of veteran left tackle Jason Peters, who mentored Kelce early in his career, Kelce said “Playing with JP was special. The way that guy dominated at left tackle week after week, it was awesome to watch. He really took me under his wing when I was a young guy and taught me so much.” The respect and appreciation Kelce had for his offensive line brethren was always very evident.
Quarterbacks
As the center, Kelce also had a particularly close relationship with the quarterback, as he was responsible for making all the line calls and protections at the line of scrimmage. Over the years, Kelce blocked for several Eagles quarterbacks, but two stand out as players he seemed especially close with – Donovan McNabb and Carson Wentz.
Of McNabb, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Eagles including Kelce’s rookie year in 2011, Kelce said “McNabb was so much fun to block for. He was such a great leader, so talented, and I loved studying film with him. Even after he left, he remained someone I looked up to and learned so much from.” The veteran McNabb clearly left an impression on the rookie Kelce.
But it was Kelce’s relationship with Carson Wentz that may have been his strongest quarterback bond. The two spent five seasons together from 2016-2020 before Wentz was traded. Kelce said of Wentz “Carson is like a brother to me. We spent so many hours together in the film room, on the practice field, in meetings. I loved blocking for that guy. He fought so hard and was so talented. It’s been awesome to see his success and I’ll always be rooting for him.”
The trust and chemistry Kelce built with his quarterbacks, especially Wentz, was a big key to the Eagles offensive success during most of Kelce’s career. His ability to see the field from the center position and make the right calls complemented the talent of QBs like McNabb and Wentz perfectly.
Playmakers
While Kelce’s primary job was to block for the quarterback and open holes for the running game, he clearly took pride when his blocking helped spring big plays for some of the Eagles’ most talented skill position players as well.
A player Kelce seemed to enjoy blocking for early in his career was running back LeSean McCoy. Of “Shady” McCoy, who led the NFL in rushing during Kelce’s rookie year, Kelce said “Blocking for Shady was so fun. He was so shifty and talented. When we got a hole, you knew he could take it the distance. It was awesome being part of opening up runs for a guy as special as he was.”
Later in his career, another back Kelce took pride in blocking for emerged – Miles Sanders. Of Sanders, who had over 1000 scrimmage yards in 2019 with Kelce blocking for him, Kelce said “Miles is such a talented all-around back. His vision, his burst, his hands – he makes my job so much easier. I love clearing holes for that guy because I know he can do something special with the ball. He’s got a really bright future.”
And of course, no discussion of Eagles playmakers would be complete without mentioning Kelce’s longtime teammate Zach Ertz. As arguably the best tight end in franchise history, Ertz was a favorite target of Wentz and others. Kelce said of Ertz “Blocking for 86 was the best. He’s not just an incredible receiver but one of the toughest and smartest players I’ve been around. I took a lot of pride in helping open up his routes and buying Carson time to find him. He’s going down as an all-time great Eagle.”
The bond and chemistry Kelce formed with his fellow offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and some of the Eagles’ most talented skill players was a big reason for the team’s success during much of his 12-year career in Philadelphia. His ability to lift up those around him as much as they lifted him up is a testament to the selfless leadership he brought to that locker room.
While Kelce’s individual accolades speak for themselves – six Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship among other honors – it’s clear his greatest joys came from paving the way for others. The admiration and respect was always mutual between Kelce and the tremendous teammates who helped define his remarkable Eagles career. As he closes the book on his playing days, those are the relationships that will endure far beyond the gridiron.
