It sounds as though Philadelphia Eagles centre Jason Kelce has not made his mind up just yet about retirement and that the flowers he's been giving might have been sent too early.
On a new episode of the New Heights podcast co-hosted by the Kelce brothers, the duo recapped the wild-card weekend in the NFL. After the shock upset by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers routing last year's Super Bowl runners-up, the Eagles, 32-9, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the six-time All-Pro and former Super Bowl champion Kelce had told the locker room that he has decided to retire after 13 seasons.
Kelce said he will make a decision about his retirement "when it's time."
"I didn't announce what I was doing on purpose, despite what's been leaked to the media." said Kelce on Wednesday. "I just don't think you're really in a position to, after a game like that, to really make that decision. ... There's just too much emotion in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.
"When it's time to officially announce what's happening in the future, it'll be done in a way that's definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and has led to the career I've had."
Kelce laughed about reports of him addressing the team after the tough loss, and that teammates were telling him that they felt sorry the early exit could be the end of a legendary career, and that they shouldn't feel bad for him before getting choked up.
The rumours have run rampant on the future 36-year-old Hall of Fame entrant, with reports that the big man has considered retirement in previous seasons. Kelce is on an expiring contract after re-upping for a year in March 2023.
Eagles tackle Lane Johnson told reporters that Kelce had "hinted" that he would not be returning to the field.
"I love him. He's one of the best to ever play the game," Johnson said. "The things he can do on the football field athletically ... I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."
The Eagles were considered by many to be Super Bowl contenders after starting the season 10-1, but had a spiralling end to their season, dropping six of their last seven games.
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