Jason Kelce received ‘late birthday present’ from brother Travis in their final game against each other
The NFL is in mourning after widespread reports that Jason Kelce is intending to retire.
The Philadelphia center has reportedly decided to call time on his Hall of Fame career after a humiliating 32-9 Wild Card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
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The 36-year-old looked emotional and politely declined to speak to reporters after the game.
He is thought to have told teammates of his decision to end his 13-year career as an Eagle.
Jason and his younger sibling Travis Kelce have become cult figures in the league for their heartwarming brotherly antics and larger-than-life personalities.
Their popular 'New Heights' podcast has become essential listening for NFL fans across the globe.
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The Kelces made NFL history last season by becoming the first siblings to face off in the Super Bowl - which became known as the 'Kelce Bowl' due to their involvement.
Travis and Patrick Mahomes got the better of Jason and the Eagles, winning 38-35 to capture their second Vince Lombardi Trophy together.
Travis Kelce makes brother Jason Kelce walk out of their podcast after Philadelphia Eagles joke
Jason and Travis met for the first time since that game in November and the pair enjoyed a heartwarming exchange.
The brothers embraced at midfield after the much-hyped game, taking time to catch up among a large collection of photographers and sharing a few quick inside jokes.
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It was Jason's first NFL win over his younger brother and the Chiefs star tight end congratulated him on the victory in what is set be the final time they will meet as opponents.
"All right, big guy," Travis said. "Hell of a win."
"That was a hell of a late birthday present right there," joked Travis before telling Jason, who turned 36 at the start of November: "Love you, big guy."
The adorable exchange is now likely to be the final on-field interaction between the two future Hall of Famers.
News of Kelce's impending retirement sparked a wave of tributes from players and fans across the NFL.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had nothing but praise for Jason when speaking about potentially losing his center said: "I love him."
Sirianni added: "He's special and I love him. He's one of the most special guys I've been around. He's always got a place here."
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts also commended his teammate's lasting impact after the game, saying: "He's a legend in the city – really in the league.
"I don't want to do a disservice to him and the things he's been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn't come easy."
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