“It played a factor” - Jason Kelce explains decision to embark on revenge tour after Super Bowl failure
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce had a chance to become a two-time Super Bowl champion. But the Eagles came up short in Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-35.
At the age of 35 and after 12 seasons in the NFL, Kelce was expected to retire. Instead, he returned for a 13th season, with Super Bowl LVII's close loss as the main reason for his return.
Joining The Rich Eisen Show on Friday, Kelce was asked if Super Bowl LVII's loss was the main reason for returning this season. Kelce said:
"I do think it played a factor. I don't think it should. I wish it didn't. But I do think that when you go that far and get that close and it doesn't happen, I think your emotions and energy get going, and you want to do that. You know it's close, and you know the team is gonna be good next year as long as everybody stays healthy.
"We're returning a lot of pieces on offense. So, yeah, that all plays a factor. If it was a different situation, I don't know what the answer would be. I still think I would play."
The Eagles do return a lot of key guys and have one of the best rosters on paper right now. They will return C Jason Kelce, DE Brandon Graham, DT Fletcher Cox, CB James Bradberry, RB Boston Scott, and CB Darius Slay.
They also added RB Rashaad Penny to replace Miles Sanders.
Jason Kelce feels good physically and mentally heading into the 2023 season
Jason Kelce has been in the NFL since 2011. He's started and has played in 176 career games, and hasn't missed a start since the 2014 season.
When asked how he feels entering the 2023 season, he said he feels good physically and talked about his preparation.
"The physical part, knock on wood wherever there is, I'm in pretty good shape for a guy going into his 13th year. I've got some knee pain, ankle pain, this and that, but it's really what you're talking about — the mental grind.
"The level of attention you have to have on a daily basis to do it right. Because part of my job is, one, being prepared myself. Two, being prepared to put everybody in the right position."
The Eagles will be one of the favorites in the NFC this season and could be a contender in the NFC. This will likely be Kelce's last season as he chases his second Super Bowl.
Do you think the Eagles will make it to the Super Bowl again?
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda