Following his recent retirement announcement, longtime Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce received a heartfelt tribute from his hometown NBA team on Tuesday evening.
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a moment during their game against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics to honor the esteemed center’s illustrious career.
Hailing from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Kelce, who spent his formative years playing high school football there, was presented with a specially framed Cavaliers jersey, eliciting a standing ovation from the fans in attendance.
Accompanied by his brother Travis Kelce, a prominent figure in football circles, the duo enjoyed courtside seats for the occasion. In a gesture of recognition, the Cavaliers also commemorated the Kelce brothers with a special bobblehead giveaway for the attending fans.
Reflecting on the bobblehead tribute, Jason expressed amusement at his likeness, quipping that it exceeded his expectations. Travis, meanwhile, graciously thanked the Cavaliers for the homage, particularly appreciating the intricacies of his bobblehead’s basketball-spinning feature.
However, despite the lighthearted celebration, there was a moment of mishap when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal inadvertently dislodged Jason Kelce’s bobblehead from its stand.
Jason Kelce, aged 36, announced his retirement after an impressive 13-season career marked by six first-team All-Pro selections, a commendable achievement that positions him as a potential candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future.
Travis Kelce, at 34, continues to excel as a standout player for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his own Hall of Fame induction appears increasingly likely.
Both brothers followed a path to collegiate football at the University of Cincinnati following their high school endeavors in Cleveland Heights. Their podcast, aptly named “New Heights” as a nod to their shared hometown, has garnered considerable popularity among sports enthusiasts.