Jason Kelce will go down as one of the most fearsome offensive linemen in NFL history, but it hasn’t always been that way.
The six-time All-Pro and future Hall of Fame center retired after the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2024.
The older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis is well-known for his impressive facial hair, but once upon a time he was a fresh-faced college player trying to make it to the pros.
Before he became an NFL legend – who helped save the ‘tush push’ this summer – Jason grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, before eventually enrolling at the University of Cincinnati, where Travis also played.
The ex-Eagles man initially played as a running back before switching to the offensive line where he played nine games in 2007.
Kelce played left guard as a sophomore for the Bearcats, helping the team make the Orange Bowl in 2008. He moved to center for his final year in college as Cincinnati made it to the Sugar Bowl.
Back then, though, Kelce looked almost unrecognisable compared to today.
He was selected in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2011 draft and his NFL headshot from that time shows a baby faced rising star itching to get started.
He traded that for a huge bushy beard, but insisted that was unmaintainable.
“It’s not really feasible to have a rough-type beard like that,” he told GQ. “But I was a rookie in the beard game back then.”
As a pro, Kelce made six Pro Bowls and was named First-team All-Pro five times.
He also won Super Bowl LII and made it to 2023’s showpiece, which he lost to brother Travis and the Chiefs.
Kelce looking a lot different during his early days with the Eagles in 2011Getty Kelce had fun with his facial hair for Movember many years agoInstagram - Jason Kelce He rocked several beard styles over the years as an EagleGettyDespite the loss, Jason was still the highest-paid center in the NFL, earning a reported $14.25 million in 2024 alone.
In November 2023, he was named as a finalist For People’s Sexiest Man – and joked he was not surprised.
“I don’t know how this all happened, but it’s honestly just another day,” he said.
“My wife tells me all the time I’m the sexiest man in the world, so I’ve been wondering what’s been taking so long for this nomination to happen.
“It’s been a whirlwind; it’s been fun. It’s a win for plus-sized bearded men all over.”
Kelce is only the fifth center in NFL history with at least six All-Pro selections and is widely tipped to be inducted into the pro football Hall of Fame.
Kelce was emotional as Philadelphia’s season, and his career, came to an endGettyHe confirmed his retirement from NFL after 13 seasons with Philadelphia last year.
How did Kelce announce his NFL retirement?
In a press conference lasting 40 minutes, the center openly sobbed about leaving the game he’s dedicated so much of his life to.
He said: “I am very proud knowing where I was once was and the legacy I have left behind.
“There is no chance I’d be here without the bond Travis and I share.
“It is only too poetic that I found my career being fulfilled in the city of brotherly love.
“Some people struggle to play in this city – I considered it a blessing to play in the most passionate sports town in America. Thank you Philadelphia, for letting me represent this city.”
Despite retiring from NFL in 2024, he’s remained involved in the game.
ESPN appointed him as an analyst for their coverage of the 2024/25 season, and he graced the screen on plenty of occasions.
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He also hosts the widely popular New Heights Podcast, alongside brother Travis, and the pair talk football to more than 2.6 million of their fans.
Jason recently helped his younger brother make a huge retirement decision of his own.
After the Chiefs were beaten by the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, all eyes were on Travis as he weighed up finishing his own career.
“We’re similar people, but we also have different ways of thinking about things,” Jason said of the call, back in February.
Jason helped Travis with his retirement decision earlier this yearGetty“Sometimes I can way over-analyze situations, and my brother has this way of being like, ‘Hey man, you want to play or you don’t want to play.’ He’ll say something like that where it’s just like don’t worry about all these minor things.
“And nine times out of ten, he’s right about all of it.
“I’m way over-analyzing his decision for him. I’m like, ‘Alright well if you do this, you can do that, and if you do that you can do this.’
“I think Trav – he probably already knows in his heart what he wants to do. That’s the reality of it.”
Weeks after Super Bowl heartbreak, Travis confirmed his decision to return for at least one more NFL season, and will embark on Year 13 in 2025, while Jason and his magnificent beard cheers from the sidelines.
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