Retired Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce recently returned to the team’s training facility to attempt a full in-season NFL workout routine, describing the experience as “humbling” despite showcasing surprising bursts of speed. Kelce, who officially retired in March 2024 after 13 seasons, tackled the rigorous regimen alongside Eagles head strength coach Fernando Noriega, offering fans a candid look at the demands of professional football even after stepping away from the game.
The highly anticipated workout, documented by the Eagles and shared widely on social media, saw the former All-Pro center pushing his limits in both agility drills and the weight room. Kelce’s honest reflections quickly resonated with fans, highlighting the incredible physical conditioning required for NFL players.
The Grueling Gauntlet: Speed, Agility, and Strength
Kelce’s session began with field drills, including ladder work and sprinting. Despite acknowledging it had “been a while,” the 37-year-old surprised even himself by clocking a top speed of 19.64 mph, surpassing his personal best from his playing days (19.2 mph). This unexpected burst prompted coach Noriega to quip that “some of the guys probably playing now can’t hit that”.
However, the “humbling” aspect became more apparent during the strength training portion of the workout. Kelce moved to the weight room where he aimed to hit numbers he routinely achieved during his career, specifically a 500-pound squat. He struggled with heavier weights, notably getting “pinned trying to squat 505” pounds and admitting his “power numbers were way down.” Kelce described some of his attempts as “embarrassing” and “really bad,” even confessing he “almost blew his back out” attempting 455 pounds before ultimately being unable to lift the 505-pound barbell.
The workout also included lateral pulldowns, incline dumbbell presses, and bicep curls, with Kelce stating, “I’m so f—ing tired. I’m fading quick” towards the end. A final challenge involving holding plates proved particularly difficult, as Kelce joked that “years of punching people and grabbing them have made my thumbs very weak,” unable to complete the full 30 seconds.
Post-Retirement Fitness Journey
Since his retirement in March 2024, Kelce has been vocal about his desire to “slim down” and adjust his body composition after years of maintaining a playing weight close to 300 pounds for his offensive lineman role. He has been on a health journey, aiming for a post-retirement weight of around 250-260 pounds. In May, he shared he had already lost about 30 pounds.
Kelce has also discussed the mental and physical adjustments to post-NFL life. His wife, Kylie, reportedly implemented a rule that he must work out a minimum of three days a week, citing that exercise improves his mood and makes him a “better person” at home. He’s embraced a more scientific approach to fitness, even undergoing a bone density scan as part of a weight loss challenge.
While he continues to lift heavy, Kelce acknowledges the need for more “joint-friendly” routines to preserve his body after years of high-impact football. He’s been seen in other workout photos looking “ripped” with a leaner, more muscular frame compared to his playing days.
Impact on the Eagles and Beyond
Kelce’s surprise return to the Eagles’ facility also coincided with a challenging period for the team, which had dropped two straight games. His presence and visible effort reportedly sparked motivation within the locker room, reminding current players of the high standards he set during his tenure as an emotional anchor and leader.
The candid display of struggle and triumph offered by Kelce reinforces the stark reality of athletic conditioning at the elite level and provides an authentic counterpoint to often-curated social media workout content. His willingness to openly share the “humbling” aspects of his post-retirement training serves as an inspiration, proving that even legendary athletes face challenges in maintaining peak physical form outside the demands of professional sports.
