The Brilliance of Jason Kelce’s Retirement Speech

On Monday afternoon, Jason Kelce stepped to the podium at the NovaCare Complex wearing a cut-sleeve Philadelphia Eagles T-shirt, holding a water bottle in his left hand.

He took a deep breath, glanced at his phone, then looked up.

“Thanks for coming, guys,” Kelce said. “Let’s see how long this lasts.”

“This” was his retirement announcement, and over the next 40 minutes, Kelce would deliver a brilliant speech that was equal parts poignant and powerful, classy and charismatic.

He covered a variety of topics, including his 13 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, what makes an NFL locker room unique, the benefits of playing in front of passionate fans, and the night he knew his wife was his soulmate.

By the end, his message drew rave reviews from NFL players, reporters and non-football fans alike.

Kelce did five things in particular during his address that we may want to apply when we deliver our own farewell speeches:

1. Share relatable anecdotes in detail

Kelce avoided cliches. He instead vividly recalled his first days in football pads at Roxboro Middle School, a particular workout with a graduate assistant in college, and the moment he learned he was selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.

“I won't forget the call I got from Andy Reid on draft day, and my father rushing into the room with tears streaming down his face,” Kelce said.

It was far more effective than using adjectives or data to discuss his career. The personal touches hit home.

2. Thank non-obvious people

We frequently express our gratitude to those closest to us, but Kelce also went out of his way to single out impactful coaches and teachers from his youth, including from hockey, lacrosse and the school band.  

“All of you taught me countless lessons and put up with a very young, rambunctious kid that was full of immaturity, stupidity and cockiness,” he said.

Every success story has people in the shadows who merit some recognition.

3. Articulate the “why”

Kelce fought back tears for much of his news conference, but he also made the audience feel his emotions by explaining just how unique playing pro football is.

“The NFL is truly like no other place and, at the same time, represents America as a whole like no other. Fat offensive lineman from Cleveland play on the same field as skinny wide receivers from Louisiana and kickers from Chicago,” he said.

“Tight ends from Stanford playing next to tackles from Kilgore Community College. Defensive ends from inner city Detroit play next to defensive tackles from Yazoo City, Miss. Six-foot-nine Jordan Mailata plays the same sport as 4-foot-8 Darren Sproles.”

Great speeches almost always provide some sort of connective tissue to explain our emotions.

4. Routinely pause

Kelce stopped numerous times during his speech to prevent from sobbing, but the breaks also made his words even more impactful.

Forty minutes may seem long, but the time flew by in part because we were locked in to his every word.

5. Go into detail about those who matter

Kelce didn’t just say that he had “the best family in the world” or that he was “thankful for my wife.” He detailed trips to the steel plant with his dad as a kid, his mom’s unique path to college, and the night he met his future wife at Buffalo Billiards at the Eagles’ Christmas Party.

These details may seem trivial, but they added personal touches and brought the people he was referencing to life.

When he finished his speech, Kelce hugged his brother and his parents before kissing his wife — a star walking off into the sunset, leaving some critical leadership clues behind.

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