Answer summary
Jason Kelce played 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), from 2011 to 2023, all with the Philadelphia Eagles. His playing career spanned 13 years, comprising 182 regular-season games and 13 playoff games. The following sections detail his entry into the league, each season, and milestones that define his tenure.
How we determine NFL career length
An NFL playing career is measured in regular seasons, including all games in the standard 17-game schedule (or 16-game seasons pre-2021) in which a player appeared, plus applicable playoffs. Practice squad and preseason appearances are counted when a player is on an active roster or reserve/future contract and participates in a regular-season or playoff game. Trades, team changes, and contract restructures can shift teams but do not necessarily truncate total years if the player remains under NFL contract.
Jason Kelce’s draft and rookie year (2011)
Jason Kelce was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, 191st overall, in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made the 53-man roster after training camp and started the season-opener at center in Week 1 of his rookie year, establishing himself as the long-term answer at the position. His durability and steady play defined his early years and set the stage for a long-term presence along the Eagles’ offensive line.
2011 season snapshot
- 16 regular-season games started (all at center)
- First NFL start: Week 1 vs. Detroit
- All-rookie team consideration and Pro Bowl alternate status by season’s end
Years 2 through 6: Establishing a core starter (2012–2016)
From 2012 through 2016, Kelce was a fixture at center for the Eagles, starting every game in each season. This period coincided with significant team development, including the emergence of quarterback Carson Wentz in 2016. His consistency and run-blocking proficiency became central to Philadelphia’s offensive identity.
Notable highlights, 2012–2016
- 106 consecutive starts through Week 14 of 2016
- First Pro Bowl selection: 2016
- Second-team All-Pro recognition following the 2016 season
Years 7 through 9: Championship window and leadership (2017–2019)
The 2017 season marked a breakout year for both Kelce and the Eagles. He earned his first First-team All-Pro selection and his second Pro Bowl nod. The Eagles reached Super Bowl LII, where they defeated the New England Patriots, giving Kelce his first championship. He repeated as First-team All-Pro in 2018 and was named to his third Pro Bowl after the 2018 season. In 2019, he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in a season shortened by injury but highlighted by his leadership and technical mastery.
2017–2019 season anchors
- 2017: First-team All-Pro, Super Bowl LII champion
- 2018: First-team All-Pro, third Pro Bowl
- 2019: Pro Bowl, All-Pro amid injury-shortened year
Years 10 through 13: Sustaining excellence (2020–2023)
Entering his tenth season, Kelce continued to perform at an elite level. He was named to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro in 2020, demonstrating that his play remained at the top of the center position despite advancing age. In 2021, he helped the Eagles secure a playoff berth and earned another Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selection. The 2022 season included a fourth Pro Bowl and second first-team All-Pro nod. He closed his career with a fifth Pro Bowl selection and another All-Pro vote in 2023, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent centers in modern NFL history.
Career totals and accolades, 2011–2023
| Category | Total or Range | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Seasons played | 13 (2011–2023) | Official NFL records |
| Teams | 1 (Philadelphia Eagles) | Team history logs |
| Regular-season games started | 182 | Pro Football Reference |
| Playoff games started | 13 | Pro Football Reference |
| Pro Bowls | 5 (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021) | NFL All-Star Game logs |
| All-Pro selections | 3 first-team; 2 second-team | Associated Press/All-Pro voting |
| Championships | 1 (Super Bowl LII, 2017) | League championship archives |
Comparative context: Kelce versus peers
Centers with 10+ years in the NFL are relatively rare given the physical demands of the position. Kelce’s 13-year run places him among the more durable practitioners at his position, particularly for a player drafted in the sixth round. When benchmarked against contemporaries who started their careers around 2011, his combination of All-Pro selections and sustained starts stands out, underscoring both talent and durability.
Injury history and availability
Kelce’s career is notable for its brevity in significant time lost to injury. He missed multiple games across his career but avoided major surgeries that would typically end or drastically curtail a center’s playing time. Minor injuries resulted in short absences, and his ability to return quickly contributed to his high game participation rate and long-term value to the Eagles.
Transition and retirement
Kelce announced his retirement ahead of the 2024 season, concluding a 13-year career with the Eagles. His departure marked the end of a consistent era for Philadelphia’s offensive line and left a legacy of preparation, professionalism, and technical excellence. Post-retirement involvement includes media work and mentorship for younger linemen.
Key takeaways
- Jason Kelce played 13 seasons in the NFL (2011–2023) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- He started 182 regular-season games and 13 playoff games at center.
- Highlights include a Super Bowl LII championship, five Pro Bowl selections, and multiple All-Pro honors.
- His durability and consistency set him apart at a physically demanding position.