As age catches up, even NFL legends have to face the physical toll of their careers. Jason Kelce, the longtime Philadelphia Eagles center, is no exception. Although he retired after the 2023 season, the aftermath is proving more painful than expected.
On a recent episode of the New Heights podcast with his brother Travis Kelce, Jason revealed a few unpleasant truths about his current health. Once a dominant force on the field, weighing around 295 pounds at his peak, Jason now reports weighing closer to 270. He’s been working on reducing weight, targeting somewhere between 250 and 265, but his bigger struggle lies with his injuries.
When Travis joked that Jason could now try playing tight end, Jason quickly dismissed the idea: “Can’t. No. My ankles and knees and back won’t let me – it’s getting bad.” He went on to describe how even simple physical activities like weightlifting and golfing are now triggering pain. An inflamed ankle, sprained pecs, and general stiffness have sidelined him from basic workouts.
Throughout his 13-season career, Jason had remained relatively healthy, missing significant time only in 2012 due to an ACL/MCL injury and a few games in 2014 after sports hernia surgery. But now, post-retirement, he feels his body is breaking down all at once.
Still, Jason isn’t disappearing from the spotlight. While his playing days are over, his involvement in football continues. Alongside Travis, he co-hosts the successful New Heights podcast, which blends football insights with personal stories. He’s also making his mark in media, joining ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown in 2024 on a three-year deal. Earlier this year, he even launched a late-night talk show.
Despite his current health setbacks, Jason remains a charismatic voice in the sport. Whether through the podcast or in the broadcast studio, he’s proving that retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from the game—just from the field.