Jason Kelce Moved to Tears by Hometown Cleveland Cavaliers Video Tribute: ‘Congratulations Jason’

Mar. 15, 2025

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce wave to the fans during the first quarter of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 05, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.Photo:Jason Miller/Getty

Jason Miller/Getty

Jason Kelcestill had some tears left to shed on Tuesday night when his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers paid tribute to him with a video message during the first quarter.

“Congratulations Jason on an amazing career,” the minute-and-a-halfvideo tributeread as the Cleveland crowd gave Jason a standing ovation. The recently retired NFL center, 36, wiped away tears as the crowd cheered,according tothe Associated Press.

Next to Jason, his younger brotherTravis Kelcelifted up a framed Cavaliers jersey with Jason’s name and No. 62 jersey number on it.

“Get on your feet!” an emcee yelled out to the crowd, “for a seven-time Pro Bowler and from the Cleveland Heights High School, Jason Kelce!”

Jason and Travis, 34, were guests of honor at the Cavaliers game Tuesday night in Cleveland, where the NFL brothers grew up and both attended Cleveland Heights High School. Their hometown NBA team honored the brothers with the first-quarter shoutout, courtside seats next to the Cavaliers’ bench and bobbleheads depicting both of them in Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys.

“We had a blast,” Jason told the AP outside the Cavaliers locker room after the game.

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce look on during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 5, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty

Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty

Jason’s appearance at the NBA game came one day after his announcement that he’d retire from the NFL following 13 seasons — all with the Philadelphia Eagles.

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The longtime Eagles center gavean emotional, 40-minute speechthat was frequently interrupted with him breaking down in tears and encouraging himself to finish his remarks, bringing an end to his playing career.

“I love football,” Jason said during his speech Monday. “Whether it was in the backyard with my brother, in the playground with my friends or suiting up Friday nights at Cleveland Heights High School. I loved everything about it.”

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce are honored during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 5, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty

David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty

Tuesday night’s video tribute showed images from throughout Jason’s career, from him playing football in the backyard with Travis when they were kids all the way to him lifting the Lombardi Trophy over his head after winning the Super Bowl.

“All he knew is that he was going to work hard and give it his best,” Travis said in Tuesday’s tribute video. “And sure enough, I was sitting there taking notes watching him do it the entire time. I only played football because he was playing football.”

source: people.com