On Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles center finally confirmed his retirement from the league, weeks after the initial rumours begun.
Speculation swirled following the Eagles’ disappointing 32-9 Wild Card playoff game loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In the aftermath of the defeat, the 36-year-old looked emotional and politely declined to speak to reporters post-game.
Days after, a visibly upset Kelce appeared on his New Heights podcast with brother Travis where he admitted he hadn’t yet made up his mind.
But now he’s made his final decision.
Kelce, a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro selection, has been the linchpin of the Eagles offensive line since being drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft.
In recent seasons, the elder brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been integral to the Eagles’ signature move the ‘Tush Push’.
The controversial play – which has become virtually unstoppable – is basically a QB sneak primarily used on short-yardage situations to either gain a down or for quarterback Jalen Hurts to dive into the end zone.
Jason is vital to its success as he’s the one who snaps the ball to Hurts who then drives forward with the ball in hand with the help of his offensive lineman pushing him from behind.
Kelce’s retirement news is undoubtedly the end of an era but it could also effectively mark the end of the ‘Tush Push’.
Fans are remarking that Kelce hanging up his cleats is the final nail in the coffin for the polarising play – which will be music to all 31 other NFL teams’ ears who have largely been unable to prevent it this season.
“That tush has seen its final push,” one fan joked.
“The end of the tush push,” a fourth replied.
Of course, there’s no guarantee Kelce’s retirement will actually be the end of the ‘Tush Push’ – that largely depends on head coach Nick Sirianni’s position, which looks increasingly precarious.
However, the ‘Tush Push’ as we know it is essentially over as Kelce walks away from the game which he has given so much to.
Perhaps that isn’t a bad thing though, as Kelce’s bombshell news comes after the Bucs were able to find a way to stop the play on Super Wild Card weekend.
Heading into that game, the Eagles had a conversion rate of 92.5 percent on the ‘Tush Push’ play.
Sirianni naturally decided to run the two-point conversion attempt while down 13 against Tampa Bay in the hope of bringing his team back into the game.
However, in one of the rare occurrences this season, the Buccaneers defensive line was able to hold strong and stonewall Hurts, preventing him from reaching the end zone.
It was just the fourth ‘Tush Push’ stop of the year on 41 attempts.
It’s a shame Kelce wasn’t able to end his career with a successful ‘Tush Push’ but sadly the fairy-tale ending wasn’t to be.
