Jason Kelce was withdrawn for the Eagles’ final offensive plays against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night, a game in which Philadelphia fell behind early and never led. Kelce was powerless to prevent Philly from losing 32-9 at Raymond James Stadium — the Eagles’ sixth loss in seven games to end the 2023 NFL season — and the All-Pro center could be heading into retirement after a Hall of Fame career in pro football.
Kelce was seen tearing up on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, as the Eagles’ slim hopes for a comeback against the resurgent Buccaneers grew slimmer and slimmer. ESPN’s cameras found the 36-year-old a number of times during the second half, when Philly’s once-explosive offense was kept off the scoreboard.
Kelce found father Ed and wife Kylie in the stands after time expired in the fourth quarter, giving both a handshake (and lingering a little longer with his spouse) before waving to other Eagles fans who had been seated behind the Philly bench.
He may be one of the greatest offensive linemen of his generation, but not even Kelce could stop the onslaught of red jerseys coming quarterback Jalen Hurts’ way on Monday.
Hurts, already battling through a dislocated middle finger on his throwing hand, was sacked three times and called for an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone during the third quarter, leading to a safety and two points for Tampa.
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