Super Bowl LVII loss played factor in Eagles' Kelce returning for 13th season

Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce admitted that the team's Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs "played a factor" in his return for a 13th season.

"I do think that when you go that far and get that close and it doesn't happen, I think your emotions and energy get going, and you want to do that," Kelce said Friday on "The Rich Eisen Show."

"I do think losing the Super Bowl does play a factor, but I think ultimately, I still want to play football," he added.

His brother, Travis Kelce, won family bragging rights after the Chiefs' 38-35 win over the Eagles.

The Eagles orchestrated a spectacular 2022 campaign and didn't suffer a loss until the middle of November. Philadelphia concluded the regular season with a 14-3 mark and captured the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed.

The 35-year-old Kelce earned his fifth first-team All-Pro and sixth Pro Bowl nod last season. He allowed only one sack and no quarterback hits over the last two seasons, according to PFF.

Kelce signed a one-year, $14.25-million contract to remain the league's highest-paid center in March. The veteran hasn't missed a start since 2014 and is a linchpin of the Eagles' offensive line. He was also a key member of Philly's Super Bowl LII-winning squad.

With Kelce back in the fold, the Eagles will return plenty of key offensive pieces, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. Philly promoted Brian Johnson from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after Shane Steichen took the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts.

Kelce doesn't sound like he's slowing down, and he appears keen to continue playing for the foreseeable future.

"I'm in pretty good shape for a guy going into his 13th year," Kelce said.

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