Jason Kelce Biography 2024: Age, Net Worth, Family, Relationship, Height, Children, Career and Retirement

Jason Kelce born on November 5, 1987, is a retired American football center. He dedicated his entire 13-year professional career to the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). The Eagles drafted him in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Prior to his professional career, Kelce played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

Throughout his career, Kelce achieved remarkable success, including being a Super Bowl champion, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and a six-time first-team All-Pro selection.

He is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional centers in the history of the NFL.

Outside of football, Kelce and his brother, Travis, co-host the podcast New Heights, on which they discuss their playing careers and various other topics.

Early Life

Kelce hails from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where he was born and raised. His father, Ed Kelce, works as a sales representative in the steel industry, while his mother, Donna, is employed in the banking sector.

Kelce has a younger brother named Travis Kelce, who currently serves as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.

During his time at Cleveland Heights High School, Kelce showcased his versatility by excelling in both running back and linebacker positions, earning him the prestigious title of All-Lake Erie League twice.

Additionally, he also displayed his musical talents by playing the baritone saxophone in the symphonic and jazz bands at Cleveland Heights.

College Career

Kelce’s journey in college football was quite remarkable. Initially a walk-on running back, he transitioned to fullback and eventually found his place on the offensive line after redshirting his first year at the University of Cincinnati (UC).

In 2007, he showcased his versatility by playing at center and guard in nine games, contributing to the Bearcats’ successful season with a 10-3 record and a victory in the PapaJohns.com Bowl against Southern Mississippi.

The following year, as a sophomore in 2008, Kelce secured the starting position at left guard, forming a formidable offensive line alongside future NFL linemen Jeff Linkenbach and Trevor Canfield.

Their collective efforts helped the UC offense average 27.3 points and 375.3 yards per game.

The Bearcats had an impressive season, finishing with an 11-3 record, clinching the Big East Conference championship, and earning a spot in the FedEx Orange Bowl, although they fell short against Virginia Tech.

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In 2009, Kelce’s performance earned him second-team All-Big East honors. He continued to excel at left guard, starting in all 13 games as the Bearcats achieved an undefeated regular season (12-0) and secured another Big East Championship.

Their success led them to the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where they faced Florida but unfortunately suffered a defeat.

For his senior season in 2010, Kelce made the transition to center. Despite the Bearcats’ 4-8 record under new coach Butch Jones, Kelce remained a consistent presence on the field, starting in the final 38 games of his 47-game career at UC.

He played 26 games at left guard and 12 games at center, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Kelce’s contributions were recognized with Honorable Mention All-America and second-team All-Big East honors.

Professional Career

Kelce, despite not possessing the ideal physical stature for the NFL, was anticipated to be selected in the fourth round.

During the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, he showcased his exceptional speed by recording the fastest 40-yard dash time among all offensive linemen, clocking in at 4.89 seconds.

Unfortunately, on March 11, 2011, Kelce underwent an appendectomy due to being diagnosed with appendicitis.

On February 27, 2014, Kelce agreed to a six-year, $37.5 million contract extension, with $13 million guaranteed, as stated by agent Jason Bernstein. Following a sports hernia surgery on September 23, Kelce missed four games. Despite the absence, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

In 2015, Kelce played in all 16 games and was ranked as the 7th-best center in the NFL by PFF.

During the 2016 season, Kelce started in all 16 games and earned his second Pro Bowl nod.

In 2017, Kelce had a remarkable season, starting in all 16 games. He was recognized as a First-team All-Pro and received the highest rating among offensive linemen by PFF. Additionally, he was honored with the Run Blocker of the Year award by PFF. Kelce also celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Eagles, defeating the New England Patriots 41–33.

On February 8, 2018, during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade, Kelce gained national attention for his passionate speech. He defended his teammates, coaches, and front office, and likened Eagles fans to hungry dogs who had been deprived of a championship for 52 years. Kelce delivered the speech while dressed as a mummer.

On March 11, 2022, Kelce decided against retirement and inked a new one-year contract with the Eagles valued at $14 million, establishing him as the highest-paid center in the NFL. Kelce’s exceptional performance during the 2022 season earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro accolades.

Kelce and the Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, where Kelce’s brother, Travis, played for the opposing team. This marked the first time in Super Bowl history that two brothers competed against each other as players. Despite their efforts, the Eagles fell short, losing the game 38-35.

In a surprising turn of events, Kelce opted to continue his career with the Eagles by signing a one-year extension on March 15, 2023. During week 6 of the season, Kelce surpassed Jon Runyan’s record for the most consecutive starts in Eagles history.

Finally, Kelce officially announced his retirement on March 4, 2024, concluding his remarkable tenure with the Eagles.

Personal Life

Kelce is the older son of Ed and Donna Kelce and the sibling of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Ed Kelce worked as a sales representative in the steel industry, while Donna Kelce holds a master’s degree and has experience in banking at Mastercard, as well as working with banks to construct housing for those in need using low-income tax credits.

Donna Kelce is recognized for her presence at both of her sons’ games, often sporting a jersey that showcases both of their numbers. She made the journey from Tampa to Kansas City to support her sons during the Wild Card round games on January 16, 2022.

In addition to football, Kelce participated in hockey and lacrosse during his high school years. He and his wife, Kylie McDevitt, met through a dating app and tied the knot on April 14, 2018.

The couple has three daughters born in October 2019, March 2021, and February 2023. Kylie was in her 38th week of pregnancy with their third child during Super Bowl LVII. Kelce was a finalist in People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” list in 2023.

Travis Kelce mentioned during the 2021 offseason that their family pronounces their last name as /ˈkɛlsi/ KEL-see, following their father’s pronunciation, despite the rest of the paternal side of the family saying /kɛls/ KELSS. Jason explained that their father decided to go with ‘Kell-see’ to avoid correcting others, and now both brothers stick with Ed ‘Kell-see.

Net Worth

According to IMDB, Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles’ center, has accumulated a fortune of $40 million, which he has earned through his illustrious and enduring NFL journey. Notably, in 2023, he secured a lucrative one-year contract worth $14.25 million. Additionally, Kelce has established endorsement partnerships with renowned brands such as Old Spice and 6 Shooter Energy Shot.