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Kelce

 

Jason Kelce will return to Philly as the leagues highest paid center in 2022.  Each off-season in recent years (including this one), Kelce takes time to consider retirement.  He is 34 and will turn 35 by midseason.  But Kelce has been the NFL’s first team All-Pro center 4 of the last 5 years.  The Eagles will not only be fortunate to have Kelce back because he continues to play his position at the league’s highest level, but also as the clear defacto leader of the team.  He is one of the remaining Eagles that brought a Super Bowl to the city.  Kelce gained fame, notoriety and popularity for a hilarious and emotional post-Super-Bowl win speech to the parade crowd back in 2018.    Kelce “owns” Philadelphia for being humble, a workmanlike overachiever playing way beyond expectations as a 6th round draft pick who “gives it” on every play… And he plays hurt.  He currently has a consecutive games streak of 122, the longest active streak among NFL centers and third-longest in the entire league, behind only Ndamukong Suh and Atlanta tackle Jake Matthews.  He trails only Eagles Guy Morris (158, 973-1983) and Chuck Bednarik (169, 1942-1962) for most games played by an Eagle offensive lineman. 

The center has not done it in a traditional way.  Kelce uses his athleticism to make great blocks at the 2nd level, plays that other centers simply cannot make.  He is undersized having played his career at less than 300 pounds, but again uses intellect and technique consistently going against larger opponents.  He has had the grit to avoid injury and sometimes play with it.  With his 4th 1st team all pro selection, Kelce now appears to have the credentials to enter the NFL Hall of Fame.  He is one of the greats at his position, ever, and is a crown jewel of Philadelphia sports. 

Eagles Lessons: How to succeed in Philadelphia- Be modest and give 100%, your very best.  Do that and Philly fans will always have your back.  Do well and they will love you.  Do exceptionally well and you are their icon. 

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