Jason Kelce retirement press conference: Latest news and updates as Philadelphia Eagles star bursts into tears while announcing decision

Thank you for following our live coverage of Jason Kelce's retirement press conference.

Stay tuned on Dailymail.com for all the reaction to the Eagles legend's teary farewell.

Former Texans and Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt is the latest to wish Kelce all the best as he departs the sport.

So now the worst-kept secret in football is confirmed, it's time for Jason to look ahead to his next chapter.

Either as a coach, a TV analyst, the star of an international New Heights tour, or simply as a loving husband and family man behind the scenes, there is still so much for him to enjoy as a retired NFL player.

READ MORE:

It's not only the Eagles who are devastated to see Jason go, with Philadelphia's other sports teams bidding farewell to the NFL legend.

The Philadelphia Eagles have waved an emotional goodbye to their 'GOAT' with a tribute video on social media.

Eagles fans, have your tissues at the ready.

After bidding farewell to football Kelce's close family are on hand to offer their support.

The now-retired center receives hugs from brother Travis, mom Donna, dad Ed and a kiss from wife Kylie as he leaves the stage.

And before bringing the speech to an end, there is one last message from Jason Kelce to the city of Philadelphia.

Thank you for letting me represent this city and allowing me into your homes each Sunday.

It has truly been a privilege, you have all been so good to me and my family.

Jason now looks set to wrap up what has been a very teary farewell presser in Philadelphia.

So this all brings us here today, where I announce that I'm retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

And today I must admit, I am officially overrated. Vastly overrated. It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here.

I have been the underdog by entire career, and I mean this when I say it - I wish I still was.

Few things gave me more joy than proving someone wrong. My mother used to tell people and still says to this day: "If you want Jason to do something, all you have to do is tell him you can't." And that was true in more ways than I care to admit.

I suppose that comes from an upbringing where my parents told me, "Jason... you can do anything you want to. As long as you put your mind to it and work hard to achieve it."

So whenever I was faced with doubters in my career, the American dream would burn from deep inside my bones.

Now it's time for a speech dedicated to wife Kylie, who Jason recalls meeting in a bar in Philly many years ago.

I still remember the moment she walked through the door. The first instance is burned in my retina, it was like she glided through the opening, an aura around her. Then she started talking and I thought "man, is this what love feels like?" She was beautiful, smart, serious yet playful. I knew it right away.

I think it's no coincidence that I have enjoyed the best years of my career with Kylie by my side. Every accolade I have ever received in my life has come with her in my life.

She has brought the best out of me through love, devotion, support, honesty, intelligence, and of course a swift kick in the a** from time to time. She has also given me three beautiful girls in a life that increasingly brings me more fulfilment off the field than it does on.

We've had a great run, Ky.

And of course, Jason couldn't bring the curtain down on his career without paying tribute to his dedicated mom Donna.

As he prepares to walk away, Kelce is on hand with a parting message for his teammates in Philadelphia.

The fans and media only write what you give them. If you go above and beyond in this city, you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

It's not only Jason wiping away the tears this afternoon.

His brother Travis is also finding this tough in Philadelphia. A highly emotional day all round.

Kelce is now paying an emotional tribute to Eagles HC Sirianni.

Although last season truly sucked, I wouldn't trade any of my team with you or those teams to the world.

Everything happens for a reason, and I have truly enjoyed my time with you coach.

Kelce is now reflecting on the day he was selected by the Eagles at the 2011 NFL Draft.

Looking back on such a cherished day in both his career and life is enough to set off the tears again. Bidding farewell to the sport is really hitting him hard.

It all felt too perfect when the Eagles selected me in the sixth round. Immediately after being drafted my agent said: "You have no idea how perfect this is. You are going to fit in great in Philadelphia. This is your kind of town."

It was always going to be a tear-jerker this afternoon.

And before he'd even started his retirement speech Kelce couldn't contain his emotions.

I'm not crying, you are...

There it is, folks.

Kelce is officially announcing his retirement from football after 13 seasons with the Eagles.

The Philadelphia legend is heavily emotional in doing so, bursting into tears as he waves goodbye to the NFL.

Just a few seconds after taking his seat for the presser, Jason is already struggling to hold back the tears.

It looks like the worst kept secret in football is about to be confirmed.

“Let’s see how long this lasts … not a good start.”

Travis is also taking his seat at the Eagles' practice facility as Jason prepares to make his announcement.

The Chiefs star was spotted having a few words with Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni, who is also here today.

As expected, Travis and Jason's mom Donna is in attendance for the big announcement.

There's not long to go now until Kelce reveals whether his time as an NFL player is finally up.

Is he hanging up his cleats? We're about to find out...

Jason's dad Ed is at today's press conference as his son seemingly gets set to announce his retirement.

It's likely to be an emotional day for the Kelce family.

If he does indeed retire this afternoon, Kelce will bid farewell to the sport as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.

The Cleveland-born star has been named a first team All-Pro on six occasions, while also featuring in seven Pro Bowls.

His crowning moment came in the 2017 season, when he got his hands on his first and only Super Bowl.

Kelce helped the Eagles get past the New England Patriots that night in Minnesota, before producing an iconic victory speech at a parade back in Philadelphia a few days later.

'This entire organization, with a bunch of driven men to accomplish something. We were a bunch of underdogs,' he said. 'And you know what an underdog is? It’s a hungry dog.

'Everybody wonders why we’re so mean. Everybody wonders why the Philadelphia Eagles’ aren’t the nicest fans. If I don’t eat breakfast, I’m f****ng p****d off!!!'

Travis is also in Philadelphia this week to support his brother as he seemingly prepares to bid farewell to football.

The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, who won his third Super Bowl ring in Las Vegas last month, got a fresh trim while over in the city of brotherly love.

And on the eve of Jason's announcement, the pair raised a beer with fans and posed for photos at a local fundraising event.

READ MORE:

A few days on from that loss to the Bucs, Kelce also struggled to contain his emotions while speaking with brother Travis on their New Heights podcast.

'I did address the team and pretty much said the same thing I said to you: "I have belief in every single one of you guys. Cherish the moments you have in this league",' he said about the scenes in the locker room after the game.

'So, that's kind of the way it went down and a lot of guys (said): "If that is your last game, I feel sorry for you." I was like: "Don't feel sorry for me motherf*****s.'

Kelce looked visibly emotional at the end of what could well be his final NFL appearance back in January.

After the Eagles were dumped out of the playoffs by the Bucs, he could be seen fighting back the tears on the field at Raymond James Stadium.

Depending on what he says this afternoon, that Wild Card Round defeat may prove the final chapter of his story in Philadelphia.

Given he has never held a press conference to confirm he will play on, Eagles fans expect Kelce to wave an emotional goodbye to the team this afternoon.

The legendary center has spent 13 years in Philadelphia, playing a key part in their triumph at Super Bowl LII back in 2018.

He also reached the showpiece in 2023, which ended in defeat against brother Travis' Kansas City Chiefs.

And after their Wild Card Round defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January, fans are convinced Kelce's career is now over.

Kelce will announce his decision at 1pm, with Eagles fans across the country holding their breath.

The 36-year-old posted on X on Monday morning: 'No Keg videos this year, I have come to a decision and will address it at a press conference this afternoon.'

READ MORE:

Almost two months since his 13th season with the Philadelphia Eagles came to an end, Jason Kelce will finally announce whether he is bringing the curtain down on his NFL career today.

The Eagles icon is set to address his future at a press conference this afternoon, having weighed up the possibility of retirement following Philadelphia's playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 16.

So will Kelce walk away?

You can follow all the latest news and developments from the presser here on Mail Sport.