Jason Kelce Blames Himself for Penalty After Eagles’ Loss, Says He's 'Got to Be Smarter'

Mar. 15, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) on the sidelines in the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on Nov 20, 2023.Photo:Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Jason Kelcemade a costly mistake when he was called for a false start during the Eagles' 17-20 loss to the Seahawks on the road, and the Philadelphia NFL star is taking full responsibility for the blunder.

After the game at Lumen Field in Seattle, Kelce, 36,saidthat NFL officials have “been warning me of that for years,” referring to the rule violation that referees handed him a penalty for on Monday.

“I had a tendency to do that in the past, so they’ve definitely warned me before,” the Eagles center explained to reporters in the locker room of his false start.

Kelce said, “I’ve got to be smarter, especially in that situation,” and noted that the penalty was likely such a close call because it was third-and-sides, and the officials weren’t willing to let him advance the ball at all.

“I think if that’s a full yard to gain, probably not as much, but because it was so short, if I move it forward at all, it’s going to be called, and I’ve just got to be smarter than that,” he said.

Later, Kelce told the media his job as a veteran player for the team heavily relies on his sportsmanship and leadership.

“Your job as a veteran is to continue to push and work, and get guys focused on preparing and getting better, and blocking out a lot of the outside stuff,” Kelce shared.

Jason Kelce #62 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after defeating the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on December 21, 2021.Tim Nwachukwu/Getty

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty

And while the loss in Seattle was “a very tough game to lose,” according to Kelce, he’s prepared to keep his team on the right track.

“It was a frustrating day to say the least,” Kelce admitted before adding, “All you can do is move forward and play the next one.”

Earlier this year, the Eagles center and father-of-three was the subject of Amazon Prime’s documentary,Kelce.

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The veteran NFL star opened up in the film about the emotional turmoil of when to end his playing career, especially as his family with wifeKylie Kelcegrows.

The couple, who married in Philadelphia in April 2018, share daughters Wyatt Elizabeth, 3, Elliotte Ray, 2, andBennett Llewellyn, who was born shortly after her father and uncle,Travis Kelce, played against each other in the 2023 Super Bowl.

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce attend Thursday Night Football Presents The World Premiere of “Kelce”.Lisa Lake/Getty

Lisa Lake/Getty

“It’s getting harder and harder to play," Kelce said inKelce. “There have been little things that are not big things yet but are going to turn into big things the longer I play.”

While reflecting on her husband’s upcoming decision in the documentary, Kylie, 31, said, “I don’t think that people realize the beating you’re taking then impacts the way you interact with your family.”

Kylie, 31, said her husband has been telling her he plans to retire “for years” and thought that the timing would be perfect this offseason withtheir third daughter being born right after the 2023 Super Bowl.

“I always tell people, no matter what happens with football, how it ends, I would like him to retire when he is still able to get down on the floor and play with our kids comfortably,” Kylie shared inKelce.“I always am very quick to point out they’re compensated heavily, but it’s crazy as a 35-year-old man being in like a world of pain.”

Later in the documentary, Kylie said their family “will navigate” his decision “no matter what” the father of three decides — which ended up being at least one more season of football.

“Every logical thing is telling me I should stop playing football,” Kelce said, adding, “I’ve got to tear my body apart.”

source: people.com