Jason Kelce: NFL Career, Retirement, CTE Risk, and Legacy

Jason Kelce spent 13 years as the Philadelphia Eagles’ center, a position that rarely gets the spotlight, then walked away with a speech that made even the toughest fans tear up. His retirement wasn’t just the end of a career — it was a reflection on family, brain health, and the trade-offs that come with playing in the NFL.

Full Name: Jason Kelce ·
Born: November 5, 1987 ·
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) ·
Position: Center ·
NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2023) ·
Retirement: 2024

What condition does Jason Kelce have?

What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

• CTE is a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head impacts (The Washington Times)
• Definitive diagnosis can only be made after death (Health and Me)
• Kelce has publicly expressed concern about developing CTE after his playing career (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Has Jason Kelce spoken about CTE risk?

• In May 2024, Kelce wrote that he could “virtually guarantee” he has CTE, but acknowledged no living diagnosis exists (The Washington Times)
• He said he fears a future where CTE could prevent him from interacting with his grandkids (Us Weekly)
• Kelce also expressed anxiety about long-term consequences in the 2023 Kelce documentary (Yahoo Entertainment)

The implication: Kelce’s openness about CTE risk has helped normalize the conversation around brain health in football, but it also underscores the uncertainty every player lives with.

How many children does Jason Kelce have?

Who is Jason Kelce’s wife?

• Jason Kelce married Kylie McDevitt in 2018 (Page Six)
• Kylie is a former field hockey player at Cabrini University
• The couple lives in the Philadelphia area

Did Jason Kelce lose a child?

• No, Jason and Kylie Kelce have three daughters and have not lost a child (Page Six)
• Their daughters are Wyatt, Elliotte, and Bennett

The pattern: Kelce’s family has been a central theme in his public narrative — from his retirement speech thanking Philadelphia for being good to his family, to his concerns about CTE affecting his ability to be a grandfather.

Who makes more money, Travis Kelce or Jason Kelce?

What is the age difference between Travis and Jason Kelce?

• Jason Kelce was born November 5, 1987; Travis Kelce was born October 5, 1989 — a difference of about 1 year and 11 months (NBC News)

Do Travis and Jason Kelce get along?

• The brothers are close and co-host the “New Heights” podcast
• Jason credited his bond with Travis as central to his career path (Page Six)
• They often share humorous stories about each other

The comparison: Travis has leveraged his Chiefs’ success and relationship with Taylor Swift into a higher public profile and bigger endorsement deals, while Jason’s legacy is built on underdog grit and loyalty to one city.

The catch: While Travis has more money and rings, Jason’s single-team loyalty and emotional retirement speech have earned him a lasting place in Philadelphia sports history that money can’t buy.

Did Jason Kelce retire?

What position did Jason Kelce play?

• Center, a crucial offensive line position responsible for snapping the ball and making blocking calls (NBC News)

How tall is Jason Kelce?

• 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) — shorter than many offensive linemen, which contributed to his “underdog” narrative

What is Jason Kelce’s net worth?

• Estimated at $30 million, built from NFL contracts, endorsements, and his podcast “New Heights” (People)

The pattern: Kelce’s career arc — from a sixth-round pick to a potential Hall of Famer — is a classic underdog story. His retirement speech, which lasted about 40 minutes, was a masterclass in gratitude and self-awareness.

How many times has Travis Kelce been married?

Does Taylor Swift have a prenup with Travis Kelce?

• Travis Kelce has never been married (People)
• He is in a relationship with Taylor Swift; no public information about a prenup exists

The implication: While Jason’s personal life is settled and public, Travis’s relationship with Swift remains a media spectacle. The brothers’ contrasting private lives add another layer to their public personas.

For the millions of Eagles fans who watched him snap the ball every Sunday, the trade-off Kelce made is a sobering reminder of what professional football costs. For Jason Kelce, the choice is clear: a short career with a high impact, a family he adores, and a legacy that goes far beyond the gridiron.

Frequently asked questions