Jason Daniel Kelce born November 5, 1987) is an American football center for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He is the elder brother of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. He was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. Kelce is a Super Bowl champion, six-time Pro Bowl selection, and five-time first-team All-Pro selection. Kelce is often regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.[2][3]

Despite lacking true NFL size, Kelce was projected a fourth round pick.[16] He ran the fastest 40-yard dash time of all offensive linemen at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, with a 4.89-second time.[17] On March 11, 2011, Kelce had an appendectomy after he was diagnosed with appendicitis.[18]

Kelce was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.[20] Kelce was unable to practice or sign a contract until the NFL lockout was lifted on July 25, 2011. He signed a four-year contract on July 27.[21] New offensive line coach Howard Mudd envisioned Kelce as in the mold of Indianapolis Colts five-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday, whom Mudd coached in Indianapolis for 11 seasons.[22] First-round pick and fellow rookie Danny Watkins compared Kelce to a hedgehog due to his spiky hair and facial hair, in addition to his quickness and stoutness.[23] Kelce battled incumbent starter Jamaal Jackson for the center job early in training camp in August.[24] Kelce received all of the first-team reps in the week before the team’s third preseason game.[25] He started in the third preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, and allowed a sack and was penalized for holding.[26] Kelce was named the starter for the season on August 29.[27] He became the first rookie in Eagles history to start all 16 games at center.[28]

In 2012, Kelce was named the starting center for the second consecutive year. On September 16, he suffered a partially torn MCL and a torn ACL in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. Kelce would miss the rest of the 2012 season.[29]

In the 2013 season, Kelce started all 16 games. The Eagles reached the playoffs, and set team season records of 442 points and 6,676 yards. He led the way for the NFL’s leading rusher, LeSean McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards. Kelce was graded by Pro Football Focus (PFF) as the best center in the NFL for the season.[30] He was also honored with the Ed Block Courage Award.[28]

On February 27, 2014, Kelce agreed to a six-year, $37.5 million contract extension, with $13 million guaranteed, according to agent Jason Bernstein.[31] On September 23, Kelce underwent surgery for a sports hernia and missed four games.[4] Despite missing time, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.[32]

In 2015, Kelce started in all 16 games. He was graded by Pro Football Focus as the 7th-ranked center in the NFL.[33]

In 2016, Kelce started in all 16 games and was selected to his second Pro Bowl.[34][35]

In 2017, Kelce started in all 16 games and had his best season as a pro. He was selected as a First-team All-Pro and was the highest rated offensive lineman by PFF. He also won Run Blocker of the Year by PFF.[36] He won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles, defeating the New England Patriots 41–33.[37]

During the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade on February 8, 2018, Kelce garnered national attention after giving an impassioned speech where he defended his teammates, coaches, and front office and compared Eagles fans to hungry dogs who “for 52 years have been starved of this championship,”[38] while dressed as a mummer.

In 2018, Kelce was given his second First-team All-Pro honor.

On March 2, 2019, Kelce signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles through the 2021 season.[39] During the 2019 season, Kelce was elected to his 3rd Pro Bowl and received his 3rd straight First-team All-Pro Honor.

In 2020, Kelce started his 100th straight game with the Eagles. The offensive line saw a franchise-record 14 different starting combinations, but Kelce was the lone man to start every game. He was elected to his 4th Pro Bowl, and was one of the eight finalists for the Art Rooney Award in 2020.[40]

On March 5, 2021, Kelce signed a new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.[41][42] He was placed on the COVID list on January 3, 2022, and activated four days later, allowing him to keep his consecutive starts streak alive.[43][44] He went in for the team’s first offensive snap then was benched for the rest of the game.

In 2021, Kelce was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl, marking his third straight selection, and was the Eagles finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.[45] He was also named a first-team All Pro by the Associated Press for the fourth time in his career.[46] He was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[47]

On March 11, 2022, after mulling retirement before the 2022 offseason, Kelce signed a new one-year deal with the Eagles worth $14 million, which made him the highest paid center in the NFL.[48] Kelce earned Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors for the 2022 season.[49][50]

Kelce and the Eagles appeared in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jason’s brother, Travis Kelce, played for the Chiefs, making it the first Super Bowl to feature two brothers on opposing teams as players.[51] Jason and the Eagles lost to Travis and the Chiefs 38–35.[52]

After considering retirement, Kelce re-signed with the Eagles on a one-year contract on March 15, 2023.[53] In week 6, Kelce broke the Eagles record for most consecutive starts that was previously held by Jon Runyan.

Any future in the game of football is now of far lesser importance, as the Philadelphia Eagles Star faces a daunting reality where his very well-being is concerned.

Jason Kelce diagnosed with rare brain cancer

In a sad announcement on Wednesday, Louisiana State University (LSU) confirmed that NFL Star. had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.

The results of the biopsy come following an operation that the second-year player underwent in September to remove a brain tumor. It is understood that he was suffering from episodes of vertigo during the off-season.

He announced his retirement at a news conference after Philadelphia Eagles game against Buffalo Bills on Sunday, joined by Philadelphia Eagles president.

An emotional Jason Kelce said: “This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have taken for my health; the problem I had a month and a half ago.

“I have been in good hands with the medical staff. I made the decision 10 days ago after doing everything possible to have some hope of playing on. I am very proud for my career. I always dreamed of a professional career since the first time I touched a ball at 5.

What is medulloblastoma?According to the National Cancer Institute, medulloblastoma is “a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. This means it begins in the brain or spinal cord.” Described as a “very fast-growing” form of cancer, it can also spread to the bones or lymphatic system. Symptoms can include but are not limited to issues with walking, balance, and/or fine motor skills, as well as headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. The 5-year survival rate for medulloblastoma is 72.1%, however, this depends on multiple factors such as traits of the tumor itself, age, health, and of course how the individual responds to treatment.