Kelce thanked his supportive spouse for 'love, devotion... and of course a swift kick in the a** from time to time.'
Jason Kelce said a tearful goodbye to the NFL on Monday, announcing his retirement after 13 seasons on the Philadelphia Eagles.
The All-Pro center's family sat front row for his press conference, as mom Donna, dad Ed, brother Travis, and wife Kylie brushed away tears as he shared memories of his time with the team and his thanks to the organization that drafted him in 2011 and supported him throughout the years.
He also shared a special message of gratitude to Kylie, noting his appreciation for her support after once again sharing the hilarious anecdote about the night they first met.
After they had communicated on a dating app, Jason recalled, Kylie joined him and his teammates at a Philly-area bar for a team holiday celebration. Jason ended the night passing out at the bar and having to be carried out by some of his fellow Eagles -- but not before realizing that he'd met the woman he'd one day marry.
"She was beautiful, smart, serious, yet playful," Jason told the crowd on Monday. "I knew it right away. I think it's no coincidence 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."
The pair tied the knot in April 2018, and have since welcomed three daughters: Wyatt, 4; Elliotte, turning 3 this month; and Bennett, who just turned 1.
"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," he added in his emotional tribute. "She has also given me three beautiful girls and a life that increasingly brings me more fulfillment off the field than it does on. We've had a great run, Ky."
While she is sure be excited about Jason's new chapter in life, as a lifelong Eagles fan, Kylie is likely also thrilled that she no longer has to worry about her husband getting traded or signed away from the team.
She addressed the topic in the Kelce Prime Video documentary, admitting that she would have a hard time supporting a new fanbase were Jason ever to leave her hometown team.
"I am an Eagles fan to the extent of like, if Jason ever went and played for another team, I would wear Kelce [gear], I would not wear another team's stuff," Kylie shared. "I just, I couldn't do it."
RELATED CONTENT:
