Brandon Graham has come out of retirement to return to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jason Kelce has offered an insight into whether he'll follow suit and head back to the field
04:59 ET, 23 Oct 2025Updated 08:00 ET, 23 Oct 2025
Jason Kelce won't be returning to the NFL
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Jason Kelce has no interest in returning to the NFL
Jason Kelce has ruled out following Brandon Graham's lead by ending his retirement to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles.
Graham had hung up his cleats after his outstanding career when the Eagles demolished the Kansas City Chiefs in February to claim the Lombardi Trophy, but his time away from football didn't last long. Following a string of injuries to the Eagles' defensive line roster, whispers about the Pro Bowl pass rusher's comeback have been swirling for weeks.
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Tuesday saw Graham's return become official. His comeback could prove vital for the Eagles, given he racked up 3.5 sacks across 11 games last season. Graham's return serves as cover for Za'Darius Smith, who suddenly retired just five games into the season, despite notching 1.5 sacks in four outings and playing a key role in their rotation.
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The Eagles were already short on pass rushers before losing Smith, with Josh Uche and Jalyx Hunt currently leading the charge.
Kelce wasn't shocked by the development. Speaking last week as rumors swirled about Graham's potential comeback, he remarked: "I don't think when he retired, he fully wanted to stop playing football."
With Graham emerging from retirement, numerous Eagles supporters wondered if another team icon might entertain the notion. One supporter asked, "Yo @JasonKelce u busy?" prompting the former center to respond: "Very."
Since hanging up his cleats after the 2023 NFL season, Kelce has been keeping himself busy.
Brandon Graham has reversed his retirement and will return to the Eagles
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Brandon Graham has come out of retirement to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles(Image: Getty Images)
He's now an analyst on ESPN and co-hosts the 'New Heights' podcast with his brother Travis, which has skyrocketed in popularity.
The Eagles' offensive line could certainly use a player of Kelce's caliber and leadership skills, especially given that their current ranking is No. 27 in the NFL, according to PFSN metrics, despite Cam Jurgens' impressive performance at center.
This situation has had a significant impact on Saquon Barkley and the running game. Despite leading the franchise to Super Bowl victory in 2024, Barkley hasn't managed to rush for more than 100 yards in a single game this season.
Graham, a member of the Super Bowl-winning team, confirmed his return on his 'Unblocked' podcast: "According to sources and what you have all heard, now you can hear it from me. I'm back one more time. I'm excited; no expectations, baby. Just trying to help the team."
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He added: "I don't know what this going to be. I have no expectations with it. It's just more like I'm going to come, just bring myself and bring the energy. Go out there, first play, 'Oh, you thought you was done? You thought you thought you thought I would know you have to deal with me anymore.'".
"Obviously, we play a game that I enjoy playing. Of course. It was hard because I mean, just being honest man, all of us. I don't care how many years you play.
"It's like it's just something that you just used to all the time, and you're trying to get used to that next best thing. And of course, I was doing a lot of stuff when that ball came and the Eagles was on, I was locked in."
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The 5-2 Eagles are set to face off against the 2-5 New York Giants in an NFC East clash on Sunday, Oct. 26.