Eagles legend Kelce fires strike, signs Bryce's cleats

March 30th, 2024

It's been quite a month for Philly sports icon Jason Kelce.

Just a few weeks after the longtime center for the Philadelphia Eagles announced his retirement from the NFL, Kelce enjoyed a nice day at the ballpark for Saturday's matinee between the Phillies and Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

First, while wearing a custom No. 62 Phillies jersey, Kelce and fellow Eagles legend Fletcher Cox -- who also recently announced his retirement -- threw out ceremonial first pitches following a brief rain delay. Moments later, in a move that showed just what Kelce means to even other Philadelphia athletes, he autographed Bryce Harper's cleats -- with Harper still wearing them.

Kelce had been concerned that he wouldn't have a good showing on the mound because of an ailing arm, but he told the Phillies' broadcast crew afterward that he only had to do better than his brother, Travis, who threw out a first pitch last season in Cleveland. And, well, that didn't go so well.

"The bar was set nice and low," Kelce said.

But when the moment came, Kelce threw a seed to Harper, who then had the Philly legend sign his cleats.

"It was an awesome experience," Kelce said. "Really, really cool."

Kelce played 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Eagles -- including helping lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl LII. And as he showed Saturday, the love for Kelce in Philadelphia -- even among its baseball stars -- runs deep.