Jason Kelce's NFL playing career ended more than two years ago, but the former Philadelphia Eagles star continues to receive recognition for the remarkable football journey that helped turn him into one of the greatest centers of his generation.
This time, the honor takes Kelce back to where it all started.
The University of Cincinnati announced Thursday that Kelce will be inducted into the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its 50th anniversary class. ESPN's Pete Thamel also reported the news, highlighting the unusual path Kelce took from an unheralded walk-on to a college standout and eventual NFL star.
Jason Kelce's Unlikely Cincinnati Journey Earns Hall of Fame Recognition
Kelce arrived at Cincinnati in 2006 as a walk-on linebacker from Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He redshirted during his first season and was named the Bearcats' Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year.
His career changed dramatically after Brian Kelly's coaching staff moved him to the offensive line.
Kelce played both center and guard in 2007 before becoming Cincinnati's starting left guard in 2008. The Bearcats won the Big East championship and reached the Orange Bowl that season.
He remained a starter in 2009, earning second-team All-Big East honors as Cincinnati completed a 12-0 regular season, won another conference championship and earned a Sugar Bowl appearance.
Kelce moved to center as a senior in 2010 and earned second-team all-conference honors again. He finished his Cincinnati career with 38 consecutive starts.
Kelce Became an Eagles Legend After Leaving Cincinnati
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Kelce with the No. 191 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
What followed was a 13-year career spent entirely in Philadelphia.
Kelce started all 193 regular-season games he played, earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro six times. He also helped Philadelphia defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Kelce retired following the 2023 season and has since remained prominent around the NFL through ESPN and the "New Heights" podcast with his younger brother, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.
His Cincinnati induction ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 23 at Fifth Third Arena, one night before the Bearcats' 100th Homecoming game against Texas Tech.
Kelce could eventually receive an even bigger football honor in Canton. For now, Cincinnati is making sure the place where his unlikely journey began permanently recognizes what he accomplished there.
