Jason Kelce has given the Philadelphia Eagles a dozen stellar seasons, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to return for the 2023 campaign.
But he has decided to come back for a 13th season, and the way his 12th season ended played a key role in that decision.
The Eagles, of course, narrowly lost Super Bowl LVII to the Kansas City Chiefs after leading by 10 at halftime, and it has apparently motivated Kelce.
Super Bowl LVII defeat “played a factor” in Eagles C Jason Kelce’s return for 13th season: “You know it’s close, and you know the team is going to be good next year”https://t.co/F5Jxogd83B pic.twitter.com/Zw95yOXaOg
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 8, 2023
Kelce, who has been one of the NFL’s best centers and has six Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro first-team nods to his name, already owns a world championship ring from Philly’s win in the Super Bowl following the 2017 season over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
But winning can be like an addiction, and once a player tastes the spoils of victory, he will want to taste it again and again.
If the Eagles are to win another Vince Lombardi Trophy next season, they will have to overcome the loss of multiple key players.
Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders, who ran for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022, is now a member of the Carolina Panthers, while star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave joined the San Francisco 49ers, the team the Eagles defeated in the NFC Championship Game.
But Philly will still have AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith to catch passes from quarterback Jalen Hurts, as well as multiple difference-makers on defense.
They may not be a lock to finish first in the NFC East, but they will have something to say about how the conference is won.
NEXT:
Jason Kelce Gives Update On His Health Status For Next Season