Jason Kelce Opens Up About Life After NFL Retirement, Family Chaos, and Why He Wouldn’t Trade It for Anything
For Jason Kelce, retirement hasn’t meant slowing down — it’s just meant trading the roar of a packed NFL stadium for the joyful chaos of a full house. After officially stepping away from football earlier this year, the beloved former Philadelphia Eagles center has found himself busier than ever, navigating the lively routines of parenthood with his wife Kylie Kelce and their four young children.
In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, the 36-year-old Super Bowl champion revealed that life after football has turned into an entirely new adventure. “I know I’m retired from football,” Kelce said with his familiar, easygoing grin, “but one thing ends and other things start. We have four children now, two of which are off doing preschool and kindergarten, and it feels like our lives continue to get more booked up.”
It’s a sentiment countless parents can relate to — the idea that life doesn’t slow down, it simply changes gears. For Kelce, who spent more than a decade in one of the most physically demanding roles in professional sports, the transition to full-time family man has been both grounding and fulfilling.
Jason and Kylie Kelce’s story has always resonated with fans for its authenticity. The couple, who met in 2015 and married in 2018, have built their family life on the same foundation of humor, humility, and teamwork that defined Jason’s career. Together, they’re raising four daughters — Wyatt Elizabeth, 6, Elliotte Ray, 4, Bennett Llewellyn, 2, and the newest addition, 7-month-old Finnley “Finn” Anne.
And while it might seem like life post-football should come with more downtime, Jason laughs at the idea. “It’s funny,” he said. “I thought I’d have more free time after retiring. But with four kids, preschool drop-offs, bedtime routines, and a million little moments in between, the days feel even fuller than before.”
Fans who followed Kelce’s journey during his final NFL season remember the emotional highs and heartfelt moments that came with his farewell tour. From his tearful retirement press conference — where he reflected on his 13 years with the Eagles — to the viral support he received from Kylie and his brother, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, it was clear that stepping away from football wasn’t just the end of a career. It was the start of a new chapter centered entirely around family.
And Jason couldn’t be happier about it.
“I think at the end of the day, I say what my dad always said,” Jason shared. “‘We’re very blessed to have four healthy, smart, charismatic, amazing children, and I would not trade any of that for a second.’”
That simple, heartfelt perspective defines who Jason Kelce is — not just as an athlete but as a father and husband. While many retirees find themselves searching for new purpose, Kelce says his came instantly. “When you’ve spent your whole life chasing something — the next game, the next win — it’s easy to think that slowing down will feel strange,” he explained. “But I didn’t really slow down. I just shifted what I’m chasing. Now, it’s the sound of my daughters laughing, the little milestones, the everyday things that used to fly by when I was on the road.”
Still, adjusting to life off the field hasn’t been entirely easy. After years of rigid schedules, team meetings, and intense training camps, Jason admits there’s been a learning curve in navigating his new routine. “I was used to structure,” he said. “Now, every day is a little unpredictable. Some mornings it’s chaos, other days it’s quiet. But I love that. It’s real life.”
Kylie Kelce, who has become a fan favorite herself thanks to her humor and authenticity on social media, has been by Jason’s side through every transition. Whether she’s sharing candid moments of parenting or lighthearted glimpses of Jason’s famous dad energy, Kylie has helped shape their family’s public image into something deeply relatable. “Kylie’s the rock,” Jason said proudly. “She’s organized, patient, and has this incredible ability to stay calm when things get crazy. I couldn’t do this without her.”
In recent months, the Kelces have been splitting their time between family commitments and charitable work. The couple continues to support the Eagles Autism Foundation, an organization close to Jason’s heart, and has also been involved in youth initiatives in their community. But family remains their top priority. “We’re trying to be as present as possible,” Jason said. “These are the years that go by fast. I don’t want to look back and realize I missed it.”
It’s that same emotional sincerity that has made Jason one of the most respected figures in sports — both on and off the field. Known for his grit, leadership, and humor, he was more than just a player during his years with the Eagles; he was the heartbeat of the team. From his legendary “Underdog” speech during the Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl victory parade to his powerful leadership in the locker room, Jason’s influence extended far beyond the game.
Even in retirement, that influence endures. His podcast with Travis Kelce, “New Heights,” has become a cultural phenomenon, blending humor, family stories, and sports insight in a way that keeps fans connected to the brothers’ down-to-earth personalities. “It’s fun,” Jason said. “It gives me a chance to stay connected to football without the bruises. Plus, I get to talk to my brother every week — and make people laugh along the way.”
Despite his full schedule, Jason emphasizes that his greatest joy now comes from simple moments — like coaching his daughters’ mini soccer games, making pancakes on Sunday mornings, or just being home for bedtime. “I’ve spent so much of my life missing those moments because of football,” he said. “Now, I get to be there. And that means everything.”
He also credits his family with keeping him grounded through the highs and lows of his career. “Football gave me purpose for so long,” Jason reflected. “But it’s my family that gives my life meaning. They were always my biggest motivation — every game, every season. I wanted to make them proud.”
Now, as he transitions fully into this next chapter, Jason has no regrets. “I’ll always love the game,” he said, “but I don’t miss it the way I thought I would. I miss the guys, the locker room, the competition. But this — being home, watching my kids grow, being part of their everyday lives — this is the best kind of busy I could ask for.”
Kylie echoes that sentiment, often sharing how much joy their daughters bring to their daily lives. “Our girls are wild and wonderful,” she recently wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of Jason playing with the kids in their backyard. “They have his heart and his humor — and they make every day an adventure.”
Looking ahead, Jason says his plans are simple: enjoy life, support his wife and kids, and continue giving back. “I’ve had a career that I could only dream of,” he said. “But right now, the best part of my life is just being Dad. That’s the title I’m most proud of.”
As the NFL moves forward without one of its most beloved players, Jason Kelce’s legacy continues in a different way — not through touchdowns or tackles, but through laughter, love, and the sound of little feet running down the hallway. And if you ask him, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
