The Philadelphia Eagles are marching ahead into the 2024 season without longtime starting center, Jason Kelce. In an offseason that was full of additions and optimism for the Eagles and their fans, they also had to say goodbye to the future potential hall-of-fame candidate. Kelce brought security and stability to the interior of the offensive line for over a decade. Moving on from his services will certainly be challenging, both as a player and a person.
What Will The Eagles O-Line Look Like After Center Jason Kelce Retired
Getting Drafted
Despite being a fan favorite and an all-time great in the NFL, Kelce had to start from the bottom. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft with pick 191. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, He was not seen as a highly touted prospect out of Cincinnati.
Howie Roseman said on an episode of Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast that Kelce’s being undersized and his temper played large roles in his falling so far. Roseman told his draft room at the time “he might fight half the team, and he really likes to party.”
Kelce got a chance to prove himself in training camp. The team’s established center Jamaal Jackson suffered a season-ending injury the year before and the two competed for the starting job. Kelce would end up winning the starting job and the rest is history.
How does Kelce Stack Up As An All-Time Great?
One thing that immediately jumps out when looking into Kelce’s stats is that he was an ironman for the Eagles. Kelce started every game for the Eagles in 10 of his 12 seasons. In that time, he racked up seven Pro Bowl nods and six All-Pro teams. He was also one of the captains of the 2017 team that brought home the city’s first Super Bowl. That critical sixth All-Pro nod really separates Kelce from other great Centers. He’s the only center ever to hit that mark. Also, the Eagle’s offensive line never ranked outside the Top 10 with Kelce at the helm according to PFF.
Kelce the Charity Man
Kelce’s impact on the city of Philadelphia goes beyond just his play on the field. He also loves to give back to the city that has embraced him. In 2022, Kelce launched his charity foundation Be(Philly), which is a nonprofit providing financial support and awareness to other charities in Philly. Specifically, the organization targets organizations that impact the education and economic lives of youth in Philadelphia. The goal of course is to improve the quality of life for young people in the city and provide better educational opportunities to set paths for future success.
They raise money through their own line of merchandise, made by Underdog Apparel, and charitable donations.
How do the Eagles Move Forward This Season
One thing is for certain, nobody can replace Kelce. He was a once-in-a-lifetime talent that the likes of which will not be seen on an NFL roster for a long time. Perhaps the goal going forward for the Eagles is not trying to replace him but simply creating a new path to success.
Insert center Cam Jurgens, a center out of Nebraska whose selection by the Eagles was influenced by Kelce. Kelce claimed that Jurgen was his “favorite player” in the 2022 draft. However, some could expect an adjustment period being that Jurgens is so green to the position at an NFL level. He has only played 45 snaps at the position according to PFF. Still, he will at least have veteran guidance with players like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata supporting him alongside guard Landon Dickerson.
Also despite the inexperience, PFF still has the Eagles graded as the second-best offensive line going into the 2024 season.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
