Jason Kelce might have hung up his cleats, but the Philadelphia Eagles icon is still making waves in the headlines. Whether he’s outpacing some current players or sparking curiosity among fans online, his presence is definitely felt. So, when rumors about a potential Eagles reunion started circulating on social media this week, Kelce was quick to put those whispers to rest.

The conversation started after reports surfaced that his longtime teammate, Brandon Graham, was thinking about unretiring to rejoin the Eagles following Za’Darius Smith’s retirement. The timing seemed almost too perfect. Fans began to fantasize about the return of two of Philadelphia’s legendary figures for one last run. One fan even tagged Jason Kelce on X, asking if he was “busy.” His response? Just one word: “very.” That made it clear he’s not coming back anytime soon.

That brief reply effectively silenced the speculation for those fans still hoping that Kelce might follow Graham’s lead. After retiring in March 2024 after 13 seasons, Kelce has been vocal about how his body just can’t take it anymore.

On his New Heights podcast, he shared, “My ankles and knees and back won’t let me. It’s getting bad. I don’t know if it’s the moment you retire mentally, your body retires too.”

But don’t think Kelce is completely out of the game. He’s shed nearly 30 pounds since retiring and has even returned to his old training routines at the Eagles’ facility. During one sprint drill, he clocked an impressive 19.72 mph. That’s faster than some of the active linemen! However, the weight room was a different story, as he found himself falling short of his previous personal best.

So, while Graham is contemplating a comeback, Jason Kelce has charted his own course. He’s traded his pads for podcasts and workouts to keep fit, making it clear that his next chapter won’t involve stepping back onto the field.

Jason Kelce defends Jalen Carter after Brian Baldinger’s harsh critique

Jason Kelce might be retired, but he still casts a long shadow over Philadelphia. The former Eagles center recently made headlines again, this time coming to the defense of young defensive tackle Jalen Carter after former player Brian Baldinger had some harsh words on 94 WIP-FM.

Baldinger’s remarks didn’t sit well with many Eagles fans. He questioned Carter’s impact early in the season, highlighting the absence of sacks or significant plays in his first four starts. While it was a fair critique for someone once viewed as a rising star, not everyone agreed with it, including the former Philly center.

On WIP, Jaosn shared insights that only a seasoned player could provide. “You go through the off-season… you don’t really play football,” Kelce said. “It took me the first four weeks of the season to really feel like I was in football shape.”

He reminded everyone that even top players like T.J. Watt and Fletcher Cox have gone through similar phases. For Kelce, it’s not just about stats; it’s about how you respond. “How do you react when you’re going through downturns like this? That’s where you find out about whether this kid is going to be a perennial Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Hall of Fame player.”

With the current season still young, do you think Jalen Carter will be back to his best self?