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He had trouble holding back those emotions from
the outset of Monday's press conference in Philadelphia.
"Not a good start," said Kelce, who repeatedly fought through
tears during a speech that lasted 45 minutes.
"I've been asked many times why did I choose football -- what
drew me to the game -- and I never have an answer that gets it
right," Kelce said. "The best way I could explain it is what
draws you to your favorite song ... your favorite book. It's
what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of
it.
"Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever
felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any
sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit
somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told,
'Good job.' I love football."
Kelce had not missed a start since Week 8 of the 2014 season, a
franchise-record streak of 156 consecutive regular season games.
His 193 career regular season starts rank second in Eagles
history behind longtime teammate and defensive end Brandon
Graham (195).
Kelce blocked for NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy in 2013.
More recently, he was a driving force for the wildly successful
"tush push" with quarterback Jalen Hurts in short-yardage and
goal-line situations. He played for head coaches Andy Reid, Chip
Kelly, Doug Pederson and Nick Sirianni.
"It has always been a goal of mine to play my whole career in
one city," Kelce said. "I couldn't have dreamt a better one if I
tried."
The other four centers in NFL history with at least six All-Pro
selections are all in the Hall of Fame: Jim Otto, Bulldog
Turner, Dermontti Dawson and Jim Ringo.
Kelce, 36, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight
end Travis Kelce.
The siblings have a popular podcast and a broadcasting career is
a potential next step for Jason Kelce. "Multiple" networks
courted him ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, according to
ESPN.
--Field Level Media
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