by The Unlikely Rise of Jason Kelce
When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Jason Kelce in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, few could have predicted the remarkable career that would unfold. As a lightly recruited high school player from Cleveland, Ohio, Kelce went on to have success at the University of Cincinnati but was still considered undersized for the NFL at just 6’3″ and 295 pounds. He seemed an unlikely candidate to become one of the best centers in football. However, through tremendous work ethic, leadership, and perseverance in the face of adversity, Kelce has cemented his status as a Philadelphia legend and one of the greatest iron men in league history.
College Success at Cincinnati
Kelce’s journey began at Cincinnati, where he started all four years and became a three-time All-Big East selection. As a redshirt freshman in 2007, Kelce stepped into the starting center role and helped pave the way for running back John Goebel to rush for over 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. His strong play up front helped the Bearcats earn a share of the Big East title.
Kelce continued improving throughout his college career. As a junior in 2009, he was named a permanent team captain and led an offensive line that allowed just 13 sacks all season. Cincinnati finished the year with an impressive record of 11-3 after defeating Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Kelce’s stellar play was a big reason for the Bearcats’ success. At season’s end, he was recognized as a first team All-American by multiple publications.
Despite his production in college, Kelce entered the pre-draft process facing questions from scouts. At just under 300 pounds, some doubted he had the size and strength to hold up against bigger NFL defensive linemen. Others wondered if he could transition smoothly from a zone blocking scheme in college to a pro-style offense. Kelce was determined to prove the doubters wrong.
Draft Day Surprise
When the 2011 NFL Draft arrived, Kelce was not among the centers projected to go in the early rounds. Most analysts had him rated as a late-round selection or priority free agent. So it came as a shock to many when the Eagles scooped Kelce up in the sixth round with the 191st overall pick.
Philadelphia clearly saw something they liked in Kelce’s tape. Then-Eagles coach Andy Reid praised Kelce’s intelligence, toughness, and athleticism. The team envisioned Kelce developing into the quarterback of their offensive line for years to come.
Kelce made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting 15 games in place of the injured Jamaal Jackson. While he had his ups and downs adjusting to the pro game, Kelce flashed the skills that made Eagles brass confident in their sixth-round selection. He proved capable of making line calls and adjustments against complex NFL defensive fronts.
Early Struggles and Injuries
Kelce’s early Eagles teams struggled to find consistency. From 2011-2013, Philadelphia won just 15 games combined as the offense often sputtered. Kelce took the losses hard and spent endless hours in the film room searching for ways to improve.
Injuries also hampered Kelce’s progression. He missed the final four games of the 2012 season with a knee injury. The following year, a sports hernia landed Kelce on injured reserve for the season after just six starts. Many wondered if his undersized frame could hold up to the punishment of the NFL over the long haul.
Despite facing adversity, Kelce never lost his resolve or work ethic. He rehabbed tirelessly to get his body right and spent extra time with coaches dissecting his technique. Kelce’s leadership skills also shined through during difficult periods, as he continued to lift up his teammates.
Breakthrough to Super Bowl Champion
Prior to the 2014 season, Chip Kelly was hired as the new Eagles head coach and immediately took notice of Kelce’s intangibles. Kelly put his faith in Kelce as the unquestioned leader of Philadelphia’s offensive line.
That trust proved well-founded. With Kelce anchoring the interior, the Eagles offense broke out under Kelly and quarterback Nick Foles. Philadelphia scored the third-most points in the NFL that year while allowing the fifth-fewest sacks. Kelce was recognized for his standout play by making the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
Over the next few seasons, Kelce continued cementing himself as one of the premier centers in football. He was a rock for Carson Wentz after the Eagles selected the young quarterback second overall in 2016. Kelce helped keep Wentz upright long enough to put together an MVP-caliber campaign as a rookie.
The Eagles’ fortunes finally turned in 2017 with Kelce leading the way. In Wentz’s absence due to injury, Kelce blocked his heart out for backup Nick Foles down the stretch. Philadelphia caught fire, winning their last three regular season games and three playoff contests to reach Super Bowl LII. There, the underdog Eagles shocked the world by defeating the juggernaut New England Patriots 41-33. Kelce made several critical blocks to spring big runs that ultimately led to the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
At long last, Kelce had achieved team success to match his individual accolades. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time following the championship season and recognized as one of the best in the game at his position. Kelce had silenced any doubters who questioned if he truly had what it takes physically or mentally to thrive at center in the NFL.
Iron Man Status and Continued Excellence
Since 2014, Kelce has been the rock of Philadelphia’s offensive line, starting 127 straight games heading into 2022 – the longest active streak among NFL centers. His incredible durability is a testament to Kelce’s tireless work in the weight room and attention to diet, flexibility, and recovery. Despite often going mano a mano with some of the league’s biggest and strongest defensive tackles, Kelce has found a way to stay healthy season after season.
When he has suffered injuries, Kelce has worked even harder to return to form. In 2019, a knee injury ended his season after just six games played. However, Kelce rehabbed with intensity and was back in the starting lineup for Week 1 of the following year, as determined as ever to continue anchoring the Eagles’ O-line.
Even as he’s entered his 30s, Kelce has shown no signs of slowing down. He was recognized as a first team All-Pro after the 2020 season and remains one of the smartest, most technically sound centers in football. Kelce’s leadership on and off the field also continues to be invaluable for Philadelphia’s young core.
Legacy as a Philadelphia Legend
At this stage of his career, Jason Kelce has undoubtedly cemented himself as not only one of the best centers of his generation, but also a true Philadelphia legend and fan favorite. From being a sixth-round pick with questions about his size and athleticism to a Super Bowl champion and iron man with 127 straight starts, Kelce’s story is the epitome of beating the odds through relentless hard work.
What’s most impressive is that Kelce has managed to stay at an elite level for so long in one of the NFL’s most physically demanding positions. His combination of intelligence, technique, toughness and durability is what separates him from his peers. Kelce is also highly respected around the league for being a consummate leader who brings out the best in those around him.
As Kelce approaches the later stages of his career, Eagles fans can appreciate everything he’s done for the franchise over the past decade-plus. From helping turn the team into a perennial playoff contender to delivering the city its first Super Bowl, Kelce will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest centers to ever play. His legacy as a Philadelphia legend is already secure.
