Jason Kelce officially returning for Eagles' 2020 season

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Jason Kelce on Thursday morning announced his retirement from arm wrestling, but the Eagles’ center will return for his 10th NFL season in 2020. 

Kelce, 32, has previously said he’s on a year-to-year plan with his NFL career and will reevaluate after every season. While it was expected that he would return in 2020, the All-Pro center made it official Thursday. 

And he did it in typical Kelce fashion: 

View this post on Instagram

Until now I haven’t address my future because I have been mulling it over for some time this offseason.I wanted to allow my body and mind to fully recover from the rigors of an NFL season, and take time with my family to see what lies ahead.After thinking long and hard about this I have come to a decision.I have decided to RETIRE... from arm wrestling.I leave behind a 2-0 record, one win against this man, and the other being against @28cgiroux and want to go out on top.It was a good run, but my drunken arm wrestling days are behind me, and it’s better to move on to a more mature future.I thank everyone along the way that has made this possible!Especially @brickandbrew for cutting me off after this debacle (which was completely warranted, love you guys) and getting me to sleep.Despite this retirement, I am fully excited for the 2020 season and will be out there with my teammates, coaches and hopefully fans this coming season.Enough media members and fans have reached out if I am playing next season, and I just wanted to make an announcement so I can stop getting asked.Can’t wait to be out there this season, can’t wait to have sports back, and I can’t wait till this lockdown is over.#GoEagles

A post shared by Jason Kelce (@jason.kelce) on Apr 16, 2020 at 7:48am PDT

At the end of lengthy Zoom call with reporters on Thursday morning, Eagles GM Howie Roseman joked that it’s a good thing fans won’t be challenging Kelce to arm wrestling matches anymore. 

“Enough media members and fans have reached out if I am playing next season, and I just wanted to make an announcement so I can stop getting asked,” Kelce wrote. “Can’t wait to be out there this season, can’t wait to have sports back, and I can’t wait till this lockdown is over.”

While he’s now well over 30, Kelce has continued to play at a high level and has been the best center in the league for at least the last few seasons, despite being snubbed from the NFL’s all-decade team for the 2010s. 

Kelce signed a contract extension last March, which was basically a new three-year deal. He has two more seasons left on that contract in 2020 and 2021. 

In 2020, Kelce has a base salary of $2 million with a cap hit of $7.4 million. In 2021, he has a base salary of $5.5 million with a cap number of $8.4 million. 

Had Kelce not returned, the Eagles might have needed to move Isaac Seumalo from left guard to center or they might have drafted one higher than expected. The Birds are probably pretty relieved to know Kelce is back for this upcoming season. 

A sixth-round pick in 2011, Kelce has become one of the best players on the team and has been a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. While the Eagles will eventually need to move on from Kelce, there’s no reason to do it yet. Despite his age and slight frame, Kelce has been able to play through injuries and remain consistent. 

Kelce hasn’t missed a game since 2014 and was the only offensive player to play every snap in 2019. 

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