After 11 seasons in the NFL as one of the best centers in the league, Jason Kelce announced his retirement from professional football in October 2022. While his playing career has come to an end, Kelce’s competitive fire and passion for the game is far from extinguished. Though no longer suiting up on Sundays, Kelce has found other outlets to channel his energy and enthusiasm.

Kelce spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles after being drafted by them in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati. He quickly became a mainstay on the Eagles offensive line and was named to the Pro Bowl four times from 2014-2017. Kelce was a key leader of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII in 2018, their first championship in franchise history. His gutsy performance through injury in that playoff run helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest centers to ever play.

At 34 years old, Kelce felt it was time to step away from the physical grind of the NFL. But those who know Kelce best say retirement will not diminish his competitive fire or love for the game. Eagles teammates past and present expect Kelce to find new outlets for that passion as he embarks on his post-playing career.

“I don’t think the competitive fire will ever go out for Jason,” said former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin. “He’s one of the most intense, driven guys I’ve ever been around. He may not be lining up against defenders anymore but I’m sure he’ll find new challenges to take on.”

One of the first indications that Kelce’s competitive spirit was still burning came just a few weeks after his retirement announcement. At his retirement press conference, Kelce teased that he had something special planned to celebrate his NFL career coming to an end.

On November 28th, Kelce delivered on that tease in spectacular fashion. During the Eagles’ Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders, Kelce emerged onto the field during halftime. Wearing his full Eagles uniform minus the helmet, Kelce climbed up on a staging area that had been set up near the 50 yard line.

To the roar of the Philadelphia crowd of over 69,000, Kelce did a running start and launched himself through a flaming table that had been set up, shattering it on impact in an iconic pro wrestling-style stunt. The Philadelphia Fire Department was on standby to ensure safety protocols were followed for the controlled burn.

“I wanted to do something to really commemorate the end of my playing career and give the fans one last memorable moment,” Kelce said afterward. “What better way to do it than by jumping through a flaming table? I’m still competitive and still love a challenge. Even in retirement I wanted to go out with some fire, literally!”

The viral video of Kelce’s flaming table jump spread quickly on social media and was replayed on sports highlight shows for days. It was the perfect encapsulation of Kelce’s brash, in-your-face style and burning competitive desire that endeared him to Eagles fans over the past decade. While his playing days were finished, the stunt showed Kelce’s competitive fire was still raging strong.

In addition to the occasional showstopping stunt, Kelce has also found an outlet for his football passion through his “New Heights” podcast. Launched in 2021 along with his brother and former NFL tight end Travis Kelce, the podcast gives the brothers a forum to breakdown the game they love.

Every week during the season, Jason and Travis dive deep into the X’s and O’s of the NFL, reviewing games and schemes. They welcome current and former players and coaches as guests to discuss everything from individual matchups to team strategies. The brothers’ infectious enthusiasm for the sport is on full display in each episode.

“I think doing the podcast really scratches that itch to still be deeply involved in the game even after retiring as a player,” Kelce said. “Travis and I just love talking ball and learning more about how teams and players operate. It’s been so cool to talk to some of the best in the business on our show.”

Kelce’s co-host and brother Travis sees the podcast as the perfect outlet for Jason to channel his football passion. “He may not be out there doing it anymore but you can tell Jason is still obsessed with the X’s and O’s,” Travis Kelce said. “The podcast lets him dive into that strategic side of the game that he really loves. He’s still super competitive too so I’m sure he gets a kick out of debating me on our takes each week!”

In addition to the podcast, Kelce has also dipped his toes in broadcasting. He served as a guest analyst for NBC during their wild card playoff coverage in January. Being back in the press box and film room analyzing games from a different perspective seemed to energize Kelce.

“I really enjoyed getting to break down plays and schemes with the NBC crew,” Kelce said. “It scratched that itch to still be involved in the strategic side of things. Broadcasting is something that really intrigues me. I love football and love talking about it, so who knows, maybe I’ll end up in that chair permanently down the line.”

While his playing days in the NFL may be behind him, it’s clear Jason Kelce’s competitive fire and passion for football burn as intensely as ever. Through stunts, podcasts and potential broadcasting opportunities, Kelce has found engaging new outlets to channel that energy even in retirement.

Eagles fans can take solace knowing the warrior spirit and enthusiasm that defined Kelce’s Hall of Fame career on the field will live on as he embarks on his post-playing journey. Though no longer suiting up on Sundays, Kelce’s competitive fire continues to blaze brightly in new and creative ways. His legacy as one of the fiercest competitors in Eagles history is secure – and so is his love for the game that fueled his incredible career.