Jason Kelce Announces Shocking Retirement: What’s Next for the Eagles Star?

Jason Kelce is discovering that football glory comes with complications long after the final whistle. In a new Wall Street Journal interview, the Philadelphia Eagles legend—now one year removed from retirement—admits that the sudden spike in celebrity around him, wife Kylie, and their four daughters “is increasingly becoming harder” to manage as everyday outings turn into photo ops. The six-time All-Pro center already owned the hearts of Philly sports fans, but his New Heights podcast with younger brother Travis Kelce, plus Travis’ high-profile engagement to global superstar Taylor Swift, has pushed the entire Kelce clan into pop-culture overdrive. Jason credits Swift’s “business savviness” and ownership of her music catalog as a model for how athletes can flex their brands beyond the field, yet he insists his bond with the singer stays “all family, no business.” Despite the spotlight, the 38-year-old remains fiercely protective of his children—Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett and nine-month-old Finnley—saying he and Kylie still brave Disney World lines, just “with a few more pictures in certain areas.” That grounded approach echoes the blue-collar ethos that endeared Kelce to Eagles fans during 13 seasons anchoring the offensive line and delivering a Super Bowl LII parade speech that became Philly folklore. Off the gridiron, Kelce’s schedule is busier than some active players’. He serves as an ESPN analyst on select Monday Night Football broadcasts, mentors rookie linemen at the Eagles’ facility and oversees the Kelce Foundation’s “Operation Snowball,” a holiday toy drive he runs with teammates Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. The trio’s viral Christmas albums raised six figures for area schools last winter and returned this year with a surprise single benefiting local music programs. Meanwhile, Jason is also fielding questions about Travis’ football future. After the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs, talk show callers speculated the tight end might walk away too. Jason quickly shut that down, saying rumors of his brother retiring are “beyond premature” and predicting Travis will “chase at least one more ring” before considering life after football. Still, retirement has allowed Jason to double down on family time—and to sharpen his famously unfiltered sense of humor. He jokes that he may go shirtless again at Travis and Taylor’s forthcoming wedding, but only “if Kylie lets me.” That relatable candor fuels soaring podcast downloads and keeps #JasonKelce trending whenever a new episode drops. Why the surge in interest now? It’s the perfect storm of NFL fandom, Swiftie curiosity and a holiday news cycle hungry for feel-good stories. For SEO watchers, “Jason Kelce family,” “Jason Kelce retirement,” “Jason Kelce interview,” and “New Heights podcast” are climbing the charts alongside evergreen searches like “Travis Kelce wedding.” Expect those keywords to spike again when the Eagles open training camp without their longtime captain—and when the Kelces inevitably cook up the next viral moment.