Philadelphia Eagles: Guarantee Jason Kelce retires in Midnight Green

Welp, good news Philadelphia Eagles fans: Jason Kelce is probably back.

I know, I know, nothing is official until it’s officially official, but after weighing his options, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, all signs point to the pride of the University of Cincinnati returning to the field for the 2022 season one year after what he expected to be his final season in the NFL.

Could that change between now and the start of the season, let alone the 2022 NFL calendar year? Sure, Kelce could pull a John Wall and tear his ACL in his kitchen and suddenly the Eagles are scrambling to re-evaluate their depth chart on the spot, but for now, this news is incredibly welcomed because it clarifies one of the biggest question marks heading into the forthcoming season.

And do you know what? If he wants to play in 2022, great. If he wants to extend out his career to 2023 or even 2024, that’s cool too; in my humble opinion, the Philadelphia Eagles need to make sure Jason Kelce retires a one-team player.

Jason Kelce should retire with the Philadelphia Eagles on his own terms.

Jason Kelce has appeared in 159 games with the Philadelphia Eagles.

He’s started every game he’s appeared in, played for four different head coaches – five if you count Pat Shurmur – and has a streak of seven straight seasons without a missed game. Sure, he’s suffered his fair share of injuries, including multiple minor injuries in 2021, but through it all, Kelce has remained a stalwart performer for the Eagles and has played at an incredibly high level.

Since making his debut in 2011, Kelce has played 9,743 snaps, been called for 49 penalties, and allowed only 18 sacks, which is roughly one every 8.83 games. Despite his advancing age, Kelce remains the best pulling center in the NFL, who can clear bodies in a zone-blocking scheme and hold up in pass protection against even the biggest of nose tackles.

Will Kelce’s age eventually catch up with him? Sure, it’s very rare to see an offensive lineman play into their 40s, with Andrew Whitworth serving as a lone exception to the typical rule, but if anyone could remain the best center in the game at 35, 36, or even 37, I certainly wouldn’t put it past Travis‘ brother, as he keeps himself in excellent shape.

Are you ready to watch Kelce’s version of “The Last Ride,” where he takes a victory lap around the NFL and puts over the team’s young guys? Because I am.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been preparing for Jason Kelce’s retirement for years now. They drafted Isaac Seumalo to be his heir apparent in 2016, then drafted Landon Dickerson in 2021 to fill the role, and might just dip their toes into the interior offensive lineman well once more in 2021 with “The Next Jason Kelce,” Tyler Linderbaum. But until the day officially comes when Kelce hangs up his cleats for good, Philly fans should appreciate 62 while they still can, as he’s one of the best who has ever done it and deserves to enter the elusive category of player who plays for the franchise their entire career.