Photo Credit: Lapresse
The jury is still out on whether Jason Kelce will retire from football at the end of this season, but for his mother, Donna Kelce, it may offer a bittersweet solution.
The Eagles were humiliated in their wild-card playoff clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, succumbing to a 32-9 defeat despite being rated as pre-match favorites to advance.
Kelce was visibly emotional after the game and it led to speculation that the 36-year-old would be bowing out of the NFL after a glittering career.
Rated as one of the best centers in the sport's history, Kelce's departure would leave a huge void in the Eagles' roster. But there is a general acceptance that it may be time for him to bid farewell.
Even if his beloved mom enjoys traveling to and from her home to watch her son in action, bowing out from playing could actually do her a favor.
The devoted mother-of-two spends much of her free time split between flying to watch Jason in Philadelphia and jetting into the Kansas City to keep tabs on her youngest son, Travis, a tight end for the Chiefs.
Fans haven't forgotten the time when Donna, 71, wore her famous two-team jacket when the Eagles and Chiefs met each other in the Super Bowl. That day, she was a winner either way - with the Chiefs securing a 38-35 win in the dying seconds.
But if Jason retires, she can focus on cheering on Travis' team and put away the 50-50 jacket for good.
Jason Kelce reacts to retirement rumors
Outside of football, Kelce hosts the 'New Heights' podcast with his brother, Travis, where the two siblings discuss their playing careers.
After social media reacted to the news that the 2018 Super Bowl winner could be stepping away from the NFL for good, it felt like the right platform and time for him to set the record straight.
"There's too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision," Kelce said, when discussing the matter with Travis
"I just don't think you're in a position after a game like that to really make that decision. There's too much emotion in the moment. I'm not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out. I'm really not.
"When it's time to officially announce what's happening, it'll be done in a way that's definitive and pays respect to a lot of people that have meant a lot to me and have led to the career I've had."
