29 June 2024 , 04:00
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Philadelphia Eagles' Jason Kelce, legendary former player and now-retired NFL star, gives insight to how his physique changed in the aftermath of hanging up his cleats after 13 illustrious years.
The 36 year old enhanced his standing as one of the most successful centres in NFL history during his tenure at Lincoln Financial Field. Retiring with an incredible track record including a Super Bowl win and six First-team All-Pro titles, he recently announced that he is venturing into broadcasting.
The popular athlete has signed a long-term contract with ESPN to contribute to their "Monday Night Football " programming starting from next season as an analyst. He will specifically cover the "Monday Night Countdown show", along with appearances alongside Scott Van Pelt and Ryan Clark during halftime of Monday night and playoff matches.
Kelce last came on the field during the Eagles' wild-card playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January before deciding to retire. Reflecting on how his successful career in the NFL impacted his physical health, he said to GQ: "Everybody exits the league with some type of impediment. I've had a twice-reconstructed right knee, a surgery on my hand, my groin. I've broken toes."
"I've had my share of things that have gone wrong, not to mention just the wear and tear of playing 13 years in the NFL. So I'm leaving the game with those scars, but for all intents and purposes, I can play with my kids," he continued. "I am still able to fully enjoy life, which I consider a blessing whether you played in the NFL or not.", reports the Mirror US.
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"As far as the weight is concerned, I weighed 295 for the majority of my NFL career, and I look forward to losing some of those pounds. I don't want to get too small. I think a lot of guys, especially offensive linemen, they lose too much weight, and then they look like bobbleheads because their neck gets so small, but their head stays the same size."
Jason Kelce looked noticeably slimmer over the summer having retired from the NFL (GETTY)The former NFL centre also expanded on how his physical form has changed since he last hit the field. He said: "So for me, I feel like for some reason, 250 to 260 feels like I'll be still big and be happy with the way I look without having a six-pack. But I'll still be able to have that stature a little bit."
"Right now, I'm about 277. I'm almost 20 pounds down right now. It's hard to imagine another nearly 20 pounds coming off, being honest with you. But my back already feels better. My knees already feel better. So another 20 pounds hopefully will make that much more adept at playing with my children."
Speaking on his "New Heights Podcast", Kelce discussed his forthcoming TV career, saying: "It's crazy, especially when we were growing up, this was the night that everyone thought of with football. Monday Night Football and now I'm going to be on there with some incredibly talented people - Scott Van Pelt, Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark."