Jason Kelce talked about the retirement rumors on the latest episode of his New Heights show:

 

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Adam Schefter reported on Monday night that Kelce informed teammates after the game that he “is in fact retiring.” 

Here’s the full quote from New Heights:

I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose despite what’s been leaked to the media. People can kind of feel body language and stuff… I just don’t think you’re in position after a game like that to really make that decision. There’s too much emotion in the moment. There’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision. I’m not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out. I’m really not. It’s just something that I think when it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it will be done in a way that is definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I had. And I don’t think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that. Frustrated I guess at kind of everything that’s happening, but in the future there will be something said I guess. But I did address the team and pretty much said to you that ‘I got belief in every single one of you guys. Cherish the moments you have in this league.'”

I hate to admit it, but it feels like he knows it’s over and he hasn’t come to grips with it yet. I was hoping he was just pissed off after the game told the team he was going to retire, take some time off, go drink some beers in Sea Isle this summer, and then get the itch and be back for training camp whenever he wanted to. Doesn’t seem likely on January 17th. I still think he’ll be on the sidelines one way or the other this year. Either as an advisor to the team or coach if he does decide to retire.

P.S. Fuck Adam Schefter for breaking it before Kelce was able to announce it himself. What a dork.