The tributes are pouring in for Jason Kelce after he announced his retirement

Jason Kelce’s retirement has elicited tributes from all corners of the NFL, with the likes of JJ Watt, Tyreek Hill and Russell Wilson among the many to pay their respects to the Eagles legend.

In front of his brother Travis, wife Kylie and parents Ed and Donna at the Eagles’ team facility, Kelce called time on a memorable 13-year run in Philly which will surely land him in the Hall of Fame.

And after the 36-year-old made the announcement on Monday afternoon, plenty of NFL players and alumni took to social media to congratulate the six-time All Pro.

‘Just go ahead and get the Gold Jacket fitted right now,’ the recently-retired Watt said on X. ‘Congrats on one hell of a career @JasonKelce. A pleasure and an honor to share the field with you.’

Former Cowboys star and current Monday Night Football analyst Troy Aikman wrote, ‘Congratulations Jason Kelce on an incredible 13-yr career. Much respect for the way you did it week after week, year after year. It was an honor to watch you play.’

Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday – and tributes poured in from around the NFL

And in response to a clip from Kelce’s retirement press conference, former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman wrote, ‘This is what it’s all about man. Gave everything to the game. Time for the next chapter… congrats.’

Russell Wilson and Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill – who used to play with Kelce’s brother, Travis on the Chiefs – penned short tributes as well.

Kelce’s ex-teammates also made sure to show him some love, with Michael Vick writing, ‘Emotional from the heart retirement speech from the great @JasonKelce. We didn’t play a long time together, he was a great player and even better person. His shotgun snaps were insanely fast and hard. #nastyplayer.’

Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said, March 4 should be a Kelce day in Philly!! The man is a true legend.’

Meanwhile, former Philly running back LeSean McCoy said on FS1’s ‘Speak’ that his former teammate deserved a statue outside Lincoln Financial Field.

‘I’ve never seen a center as good as him since I left Philadelphia,’ he said.

Fellow offensive lineman Taylor Lewan added, ‘Congrats to @JasonKelce on an incredible career. Guy has always held himself in a way that all offensive linemen could look up to and admire. 13 years in the NFL is amazing but 13 years on one team is unheard of.’
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Michael Vick and many of Kelce’s other Eagles teammates congratulated him on his career

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And ESPN’s Field Yates complimented the center’s emotional 45-minute speech, in which he touched on his beginnings in the sport, his relationship with his wife, Kylie, and his bond with his brother, Travis.

Jason Kelce just delivered the greatest retirement speech I’ve ever seen,’ Yates wrote. ‘Authentic, reflective, appreciative of so many people and the places at every step of his journey. Build the statue now. What an all-time great.’

Robert Griffin III echoed a similar sentiment, saying, ‘One thing is clear from this press conference. Jason Kelce LOVES football and we were blessed to watch him play it.’

Actor and noted Eagles fan Miles Teller also said, ‘They don’t make em any better than #62. Thanks for the memories big guy.’

Kelce needed 45 minutes to recount his career from his childhood in Ohio before he finally announced he was retiring.

‘I have been the underdog my entire career,’ he said. ‘And I mean this when I say it, I still wish I was.’

An emotional Kelce struggled to get his words out – regularly pausing for long periods and his voice breaking as he tried to hold back the tears.

Kelce had to pause his speech for deep breaths as he struggled to control his emotions

Travis Kelce was brought to tears as he watched his brother speak, sat alongside their parents

Jason, 36, pictured alongside his wife, Kylie, and their three young children

Talking about his relationship with his younger brother, Kelce said,

‘There is no chance I’d be here without the bond that Travis and I share. It had made me stronger, tougher, smarter and taught me the values of cooperation, loyalty and understanding.’

Footage showed Travis crying as he watched on.

He also paid a moving tribute to wife Kylie and said it’s ‘no coincidence I have enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side.’

‘She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and of course a swift kick in the a** from time to time. She has also given me three beautiful girls in a life that increasingly brings me more fulfilment off the field than it does on. We’ve had a great run, Ky.’

Kelce, who has reportedly already met with execs from Fox and ESPN, could jump into a broadcasting career now that he’s done playing.