Jason Kelce Reflects on Retirement, Family and Lessons From His Mother
Jason Kelce Reflects on Retirement, Family and Lessons From His Mother originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Former Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce is fully embracing his retirement era, balancing his new ESPN career with family time and discovering what matters most in his post-NFL journey. The beloved center recently gave Eagles Today an exclusive glimpse into his Mother's Day celebrations and the values he hopes to pass down to his four daughters.
Advertisement
Fresh from a family-filled Mother's Day weekend, Kelce shared details with People magazine while attending the Amazon Upfront event in New York on Monday with brother Travis. The gathering brought together the extended Kelce clan for a celebration in Philadelphia that exemplified the close-knit family bonds Jason has always prioritized.
"We had a whole crew in. We had a great brunch together, a day together," Kelce told Eagles Today. "It's special when we all get to get together. It's hard with everyone's schedules these days, but for all the girls and everybody, it was really a good day."
For the Birds legend, these family moments take on new significance now that he's hung up his midnight green jersey. Without the rigorous demands of NFL training camp looming and game preparation consuming his schedule, Kelce is discovering the joy of uninterrupted family time.
As he continues building his broadcasting career with Monday Night Football and growing the New Heights podcast empire alongside Travis, Kelce finds himself reflecting on the values that shaped his historic career in Philadelphia—values he hopes to instill in his four daughters: Wyatt (5), Elliotte (4), Bennett (2), and baby Finnley "Finn" Anne, who joined the family in March.
Advertisement
"The thing that I would love most to instill in my kids is my mom's work ethic and her dedication and sacrifice," Kelce explained. "Growing up, you don't realize everything your mom is doing. But looking back, she was working full-time while handling all the household responsibilities and making sure we had opportunities to achieve our dreams."
The future Hall of Famer's appreciation for Donna Kelce's example has only deepened with time. "That work ethic and sacrifice made her life amazingly successful," he continued. "Those are the qualities I want my girls to understand and embrace."
Kelce's retirement has allowed him to fully appreciate the family foundation that supported his extraordinary career with the Eagles. The six-time All-Pro center is finding that away from the football field, he can focus on creating the same supportive environment for his growing family.
While fans miss seeing #62 anchoring the offensive line at Lincoln Financial Field, they'll be happy to know Kelce isn't straying far from his Philadelphia roots this summer. "We're going to be down the shore a lot this year, which we're looking forward to," he shared, maintaining the South Jersey summer tradition beloved by so many Eagles fans.
Advertisement
Kelce continues embodying the blue-collar values that made him a Philadelphia icon. His focus on family, hard work, and enjoying life's simpler pleasures resonates with the Eagles faithful who watched him give everything to the franchise for 13 remarkable seasons.
Related: 'Kelce Genes Are Strong!' Jason And Kylie Reveal Baby Girl's 'Look'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
10 NFL undrafted free agents who could make initial 53-man rosters as rookies
Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. By definition, undrafted free agents might seem like an afterthought to most after being repeatedly passed over. But that's hardly the case for NFL teams. To fully capitalize on months of extensive scouting work, front offices extend their personnel push well beyond the seven rounds of each draft. The work begins immediately as franchises flock to sign undrafted free agents, often ponying up significant sums of guaranteed money just to get what amounts to a first look at players. Many of those who latch on with teams during this portion of the process will end up on practice squads, operating in a sort of football purgatory as teams monitor their development. But that designation leaves them open to being signed away by competitors willing to put them on their active roster, so any organization worried about its promising young talent being poached must tread carefully. And with no shortage of recent success stories from the undrafted ranks – including Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, who nearly matched the rookie yardage output of first-round teammate Xavier Legette, and Los Angeles Rams linebacker Omar Speights, who started 10 games in 2024 – coaching staffs have plenty of reason to keep an eye out for unlikely early contributors. With training camps set to start up next month, here are 10 undrafted free agents who this year have a chance to make the initial 53-man roster for their respective teams: Efton Chism III, WR, New England Patriots With New England having centered its draft on an all-out effort to support second-year quarterback Drake Maye, it seemed inevitable that an offensive newcomer would set himself apart during offseason workouts. Yet rather than first-round offensive tackle Will Campbell, second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson or third-round wideout Kyle Williams, it was a little-known slot receiver from Eastern Washington who created as big of a buzz as anyone. Chism, who broke Cooper Kupp's school single-season record for catches with 120 last year, quickly became a favorite of Maye, who estimated he found the 5-10, 195-pound target for "like 50 catches" in organized team activities. That only means so much prior to the start of training camp, but it unquestionably highlighted Chism's potential value given the Patriots' mandate on putting the 2024 No. 3 overall pick in more favorable spots after a rookie year rife with challenges. "I think he's a talented player. I think he has a certain skill set. He's dedicated. He's studied extremely hard," Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said in June. "He has a good feel for what we're asking him to do. I think the biggest thing for receivers is that there's trust from the guy that throws the football. "When you earn the quarterback's trust ... it doesn't take you long to figure out who the quarterback trusts. It's the ones they target. That's a good indicator." Chism's appeal as a safety valve in a Josh McDaniels-helmed system known for creating opportunities for slot receivers should be readily evident. But Demario Douglas looks to be entrenched in that role for the near future, and securing a spot on the roster might entail leapfrogging several more high-profile pass catchers in Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte and Javon Baker. If Chism continues to make his mark in a more competitive setting throughout the summer, however, he could be too promising to part with. Cobee Bryant, CB, Atlanta Falcons After placing a premium on jolting its pass rush with first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., the Falcons then shifted their focus toward reshaping their secondary with second-round safety Xavier Watts and third-round nickel Billy Bowman Jr. But the work might not have ended there. Atlanta also added Bryant, a three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection who notched 13 career interceptions at Kansas. His 180-pound frame will need to be filled out for him to hold up against NFL receivers, particularly given his hyperphysical style that could leave him prone to plenty of penalties. But his consistently elevated aggressiveness serves him well in other phases of his game, and the Falcons' cornerback depth is relatively limited. Wide receiver Nick Nash and offensive guard Joshua Gray also have a solid shot at sticking around. Jared Ivey, DE, Seattle Seahawks On first blush, the Seahawks' edge rush might seem to be too deep to lend itself to an undrafted player latching on, with free-agent signee DeMarcus Lawrence and Boye Mafe being backed by Uchenna Nwosu and 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall. But Mike Macdonald's complex scheme demands a lot from its pass rushers, and Seattle could use some short-term insurance given Lawrence and Nwosu combined to play in just 10 games last season due to injuries. Ivey lacks the explosiveness of a typical developmental edge threat, but his versatility and skill set should endear him to Macdonald. Isaiah Neyor, WR, San Francisco 49ers With Brandon Aiyuk seemingly on track to start the year on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, the 49ers' outlook at receiver is far from settled. But that dynamic could open up an opportunity for Neyor, a 6-4, 218-pound speedster who drew a rave initial review from six-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle. "He was running a route and he got like 9 1/2 yards in two strides," said Kittle on a June appearance on the "Bussin with the Boys" podcast. "I was like, 'Holy (expletive).' It was insane. We watched it like 10 times in the tight end room. We were like, 'How is he doing this?'" Neyor first broke out at Wyoming in 2021 by averaging nearly 20 yards per catch and hauling in 12 touchdowns. But after tearing his ACL at Texas and only posting modest production last year at Nebraska, he still lacks a handle on the finer points of the position. Still, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch might be reticent to allow other teams to swoop in, and Neyor might be able to earn a spot on the initial roster if he can beat out seventh-round selection Junior Bergen. Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Green Bay Packers A three-year starter on Georgia's star-studded defense, Stackhouse doesn't offer the flashy athletic traits of former teammates like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis or even Warren Brinson, whom the Packers selected in the sixth round in April. But the 6-4, 327-pounder eats up space in the run game and routinely blows up blocks. With T.J. Slaton's departure leaving a void for that role on an interior line group otherwise built on penetrating, Stackhouse can carve out a fairly straightforward niche despite his playmaking limitations. Andrew Armstrong, WR, Miami Dolphins The Dolphins' draft class was defined by a dedication to fortifying its fronts, with the team's first three selections coming along the offensive and defensive lines. But that approach, combined with Miami's Day 3 strategy, left the organization to look towards the undrafted free agent ranks to address a receiving corps that looks dangerously thin behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and free-agent signing Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Of the four first-year wideouts added after the draft, Armstrong looks to be the best bet to crack the roster. The 6-4, 202-pounder can add a different flavor to Mike McDaniel's aerial attack by providing Tua Tagovailoa with a possession receiver who can thrive in contested-catch scenarios. Tight end Jalin Conyers also could push for a spot, especially with Jonnu Smith's contract standoff yet to produce a resolution. Seth McLaughlin, C, Cincinnati Bengals A torn Achilles suffered last November no doubt weighed down the draft stock of McLaughlin, who was a fixture for Alabama's front before transferring to Ohio State and winning the Rimington Trophy last year. If not for the ailment, the 6-4, 304-pounder would have had a strong chance to be selected given his track record as a heady blocker capable of compensating for his pedestrian frame and athleticism. On a Bengals line that has struggled to afford Joe Burrow with any steady protection, McLaughlin could be an intriguing understudy to Ted Karras, though he'll have to 2024 seventh-round pick Matt Lee for the role. An undrafted free agent could also claim a job on the other side of the ball, as defensive tackles Howard Cross III – who played under new Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame – and Eric Gregory will try to make a push at a spot where Cincinnati has long underperformed. Ben Chukwuma, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Anyone guessing who landed the highest guaranteed payout among undrafted free agents probably wouldn't land on an offensive tackle from Georgia State who started for a little more than one season and didn't earn all-conference honors. Nevertheless, it was Chukwuma who stood above all his peers after netting $300,000 from the Buccaneers, according to multiple reports. The 6-6, 310-pound blocker, who moved to Georgia from Nigeria when he was 17, only began playing football after attending a walk-on tryout at Georgia State. Having paid a hefty sum to secure his services, the Buccaneers' brain trust clearly is interested in what it can make of Chukwuma and his tools. Jah Joyner, DE, Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce give the Silver and Black a solid foundation for a unit otherwise seemingly devoid of building blocks. Behind them, however, there's little certainty. Neither first-round disappointment Tyree Wilson nor Charles Snowden have provided much of a spark, even in backup roles. Joyner might not push either for a spot on the second string, but his tenacity could make him a solid rotational piece. Da'Quan Felton, WR, New York Giants Any question about the Giants' satisfaction with their wide receiver depth after the draft was quickly answered by the team signing five undrafted players at the position. Of those brought on, Felton might be the most fascinating - and have the best chance of securing a backup job. The 6-5, 213-pound target sizes up as a natural partner for Russell Wilson given his knack for hauling in contested catches downfield. With few other big bodies in New York's receiving corps, Felton could hold down a unique role while becoming a more precise route runner and eliminating the drops that have long plagued him. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Countdown to Kickoff: Anthony Hargrove is the Saints Player of Day 69
Hargrove was a key contributor with New Orleans during their Super Bowl XLIV championship run The last day of June also marks 69 days before the regular season opener for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans will face the Arizona Cardinals at home to kick off this season. It'll be their 59th year of NFL existence, but first year under new head coach Kellen Moore. We've been highlighting a player of each day that wears a number that corresponds with the remaining number of days until kickoff. However, no New Orleans player currently wears 69. The last player to wear 69 for the Saints was offensive lineman Chris Reed, who did it for five special teams snaps in one game for the team last year. With No. 69 not currently in the rotation, our choice for Saints Player of the Day is Super Bowl XLIV champ Anthony Hargrove. A defensive back and quarterback in high school, Hargrove moved to the defensive line when he got to college at Georgia Tech. His career with the Yellow Jackets was short but productive. Over 24 collegiate outings, Hargrove had 6 sacks with 19 tackles for loss while forcing 2 fumbles and recovering 2 other fumbles. He showed enough for the Rams to select him with a Round 3 choice in the 2004 NFL draft. Hargrove was with St. Louis until 2004, gathering 8 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. Early in the 2006 season, the Rams traded Hargrove to the Buffalo Bills. He'd remain with Buffalo through the rest of 2006 and all of 2007. With the Bills, Hargrove had 2.5 sacks. During the 2008 offseason, it was reported that Hargrove had violated the NFL's substance abuse policy. Because of repeated violations, Hargrove was suspended for the entire 2008 season. Upon reinstatement by the league in 2009, Hargrove was signed by the New Orleans Saints. He was moved from defensive end inside to tackle by the Saints, where he'd become a valued part of the interior rotation. Hargrove appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2009, recording 5 sacks and recovering 3 fumbles. One of those he returned for a touchdown, as he was a valuable contributor on the team's Super Bowl XLIV championship squad. Hargrove remained with the Saints in 2010, where he recorded 1 sack during 14 games of action that season. Hargrove signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011. He was released in training camp, but would play 15 games that year with the Seattle Seahawks. The following year, he was among several New Orleans players and coaches implicated in the 'Bountygate' scandal -- the largely unfounded witch hunt by commissioner Roger Goodell. It resulted in the suspension of Hargrove and other players, along with a ludicrous one-year suspension of Saints coach Sean Payton. Hargrove and other players eventually had their suspensions overturned by former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, but 2011 would turn out to be his last NFL season. Hargrove had tryouts with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys in 2012 and 2013, but was unable to make the roster of either team.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lakers Implored to Sign Former No. 1 Pick Amid Shocking Buyout
Lakers Implored to Sign Former No. 1 Pick Amid Shocking Buyout originally appeared on Athlon Sports. One thing that becomes clear each summer is that, no matter how folks around the league see things breaking, there is always going to be a monkey wrench that is thrown into the works. And if you're an NBA team--like the Lakers, for example--it behooves you to remain in position to take advantage of the mess left behind when other teams see their works get wrenched up. Advertisement On Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported a shocking development coming out of Portland, where surprise developments have been routine lately. Center Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, is nearing a contract buyout with the Blazers. Ayton went to Portland in a trade with the Suns, who opted to pick him out of Arizona No. 1 overall instead of the then-young Slovenian guard Luka Doncic. The Suns and Ayton could not come to an agreement in restricted free agency and he was shipped to Portland in 2023. Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) walks out to the court during introductions before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images In seven NBA seasons, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. He has struggled to stay healthy--Ayton played 95 games in the past two seasons--but is a very good offensive center. That has Lakers fans immediately scurrying to their keyboards to implore L.A. to sign Ayton to fill the team's glaring big-man gap. Advertisement Ayton has $35.5 million left on his deal in the final year of his contract. He figures to get most, if not all, of that paid out in a buyout. If he is willing to take a minimum deal for this season in hopes of rebuilding his value and returning to free agency next summer, he could be a good fit for the Lakers. ' Offensively, at least. The Lakers need some level of rim protection from whomever they add as a center, and though he averages 1.0 blocks per game, he is not much of a defender in the paint. Still, the idea of adding his size and offensive skill at a bargain cost had Lakers fans bustling on Sunday. Advertisement "Lakers get Ayton," one fan wrote on X, simply. Another Lakers fan account stated, "Lakers could get there (sic) center and not give up any assets!!!" "It's so obvious he's a laker. Lebron and Luka making him average 20-15 a game," another added. "I swear I saw someone yesterday say that Ayton would sign with the Lakers today. Did they know?" another wondered. Again, getting Ayton on the cheap would be a win for the Lakers. Until the need for some defense kicks in, at least. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
