Jason Kelce sadly confirmed he won’t be returning to the field with the Philadelphia Eagles, but during his retirement speech, he snuck in a few hopeful nods to Taylor Swift.
During the press conference on Monday, March 4, the former center fondly recalled some of his most significant memories as on the team–some of which included competing against his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and even losing Super Bowl LVII to the Chiefs.
“It’s only too poetic I found my career being fulfilled in the city of brotherly love, I knew that relationship all too well,” he shared, seemingly making nods to the 14-time Grammy winner’s upcoming album–The Tortured Poets Department–her one-off concert in Paris and 2020 TV movie special, The City of Lover, and of course, her hit “All Too Well” from her 2012 album Red.
The 36-year-old father of three later added another Swift-coded message. “If you go above and beyond in this city, you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams,” he said, seemingly referencing the international pop superstar’s 2014 hit off the album 1989.
The speech, which was also broadcast on YouTube, quickly garnered the attention of Swifties, who began calling out for the pop star in the live chat.
As for what’s next for Kelce, after 13 years playing for the same team–potentially another nod to Swift, as it is her favorite number, but that could be coincidental–he appeared excited to spend more time with his family, which includes wife Kylie and daughters Wyatt, 4, Elliotte, 2, and Bennett, 1.
“Sometimes the flowers get knocked back a bit, but the roots remain and I can’t wait to watch for the blossoms this next season,” Kelce sobbed.