Eagles captain Jason Kelce retires from the NFL after 13 seasons with Philadelphia

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One of the most prolific centers in NFL history is calling it a career.

Jason Kelce, a six-time Pro Bowler and longtime Eagles captain announced that he is retiring from football after 13 seasons with Philadelphia.

Sources told ESPN that Kelce announced to his teammates in the locker room after the team's playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he intends to retire.

Kelce was visibly emotional after the game and did not speak with the media, but Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni didn't hesitate to praise the impact the six-time All-Pro has made in 13 years with Philadelphia.

I love him," Nick Sirianni said, per ESPN. "He's special and I love him. He's one of the most special guys I've been around. He's always got a place here.”

A sixth-round pick in 2011, Kelce has grown into one of the most iconic, beloved figures in Philadelphia sports.

Kelce has spent all 13 seasons with the Eagles and was one of the most vocal leaders for a team that made six playoff appearances and two Super Bowl berths in seven seasons.

In addition to his on-field success, which included clinching the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 2018, Kelce was also a philanthropist and activist in the community.

He's a legend in the city -- really in the league," Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said. "I don't want to do a disservice to him and the things he's been able to do and overcome. His journey to where he is now didn't come easy. It's been a long, long time coming for him, and every year since I've been here, it's been, 'Are you going to come back?'

But he knows how much I love and appreciate him. He knows how much I've learned from him. He'll forever have a special place in my heart."

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson spoke with reporters after the playoff loss to the Bucs and said that Kelce has "hinted" to teammates that this would be his final season.

"I love him. He's one of the best to ever play the game," Johnson said. "The things he can do on the football field athletically -- I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."