The seasoned Philadelphia Eagles player stated that his life was “changed forever” in 2014 when he met his wife at a team Christmas party.

During an emotional speech announcing his retirement from the NFL on Monday, a sobbing Jason Kelce praised his wife Kylie Kelce for her support.

At a news appearance in Philadelphia, where Kylie, 31, his brother Travis Kelce, and his parents Donna and Ed Kelce were present, 36-year-old Kelce revealed his retirement plans.

Jason recounted several significant occasions from his 13-year professional football career throughout the 40-minute speech. He listed meeting Kylie at a 2014 Philadelphia Eagles Christmas Party as one of the most significant. Jason remarked, “I will never forget the Eagles Christmas party in 2014 and going out to Buffalo Billiards with a bunch of my teammates afterward, where my life would change forever.” “I would meet my future wife that night.”When Jason remembered seeing Kylie for the first time, he started crying.Jason choked up as he said, “I still remember the moment she walked through the door.” “My retina is still burned from the first instance. She seemed to glide through the gap, with an aura around her.

The seven-time NFL Pro Bowler continued by recalling that evening’s initial talk with his future wife. “Then she began speaking, and I couldn’t help but think, is this how love feels?” Jason remembered.She was elegant, intelligent, serious but lighthearted. “I immediately knew it,” he remarked.“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that having Kylie by my side allowed me to have the best year of my career,” stated Jason.

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2018 saw the couple’s marriage in April.Jason appeared to have rekindled his career after that, as he was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl in each of his final five seasons. When the squad lost against his brother Travis and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, Jason and the Eagles won their sole Super Bowl in 2018. They also made it to the title game once more.

“She’s brought out the best in me through love, devotion, support, intelligence, honesty, and, occasionally, a swift kick in the ass,” Jason remarked. Along with three stunning children, she has given me a life that increasingly fulfils me off the pitch than it does on.

Less than a month after he and his family travelled to Orlando, Florida, to receive their final NFL Pro Bowl honours, Jason announced his retirement.

Following his Monday statement, Jason hugged Travis and his parents as he left the platform and then embraced Kylie.