Jason Kelce, center for the Philadelphia Eagles, retired from the NFL after the 2023-2024 season.
That sweet sentiment isn’t the only moment that stuck out.
The strange detail had a heartfelt meaning.
Some ofJason and his brother Travis Kelce’s best brotherly momentsare recounted on their podcast"New Heights.
He said, “One of the trainers of the Eagles has been battling cancer all season long.
And he’s been there my entire career too, Joe O’Pella.”
In the post, O’Pella reminisced about both their professional relationship and friendship.
One ofthe tragedies of Kelce’s lifewas the injuries he sustained playing professional football.
He badly hurt his knee in 2012, which O’Pella mentioned.
Being the one to help with Jason’s knee rehabilitation seemed to spark their deep friendship.
Kelce was a good friend when O’Pella was diagnosed with cancer, offering help in a variety of ways.
Jason then asked if O’Pella would tape him for the press conference where he shared the big news.
“That’s who he is,” O’Pella added.
“And I hope these stories can add to an already unbelievable legacy.”
He explained how with the wing-eating challenge, “The hardest part was the speed.
But this was awesome.
It was a great experience” (viaCBS News).
Proud of my guy @jkelce.
Had a blast being your trainer/coach in front of 20,000+ #Wingbowl22."
Maybe one day the event will be revived and Kelce and O’Pella can team up for it once again.
