Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

Former All-Pro center Jason Kelce's retirement leaves a significant void for the Philadelphia Eagles, who must adjust to operating without their anchor on the offensive line.

Jason Kelce, a three-time first-team All-Pro selection and one of the Eagles' most decorated players, retired during the offseason, leaving a gaping hole in the heart of the offensive line. Kelce's departure marks the first time since 2010 that he will not be the Eagles' starting center, a position he held with distinction for over a decade.

The team's quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has acknowledged that Kelce's presence and experience in the line of scrimmage had previously allowed him to focus less on protection calls and more on other aspects of the game. However, with Kelce no longer manning the line, Hurts has embraced the opportunity to expand his responsibilities and take on a more prominent leadership role.

Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

"I think he's at the stage now in his career that he can take that next step forward in making a lot of these protection calls and things that I did for him early in his career when he was a young player," said Jason Kelce.

Travis Kelce, Jason's brother and a Pro Bowl tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Hurts' increased responsibility is a testament to his growth as a player.

Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

"All you can take is that he's taken the next step. He's getting better, ladies and gentlemen," said Travis. "Understand that he wants to know, and now he's putting in the work to figure those things out so that he can play better, he can play faster, he can play more confident."

Hurts' development is reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes' journey as a quarterback. According to Travis Kelce, Mahomes also had to overcome initial struggles with defense recognition before finding his rhythm and becoming one of the league's most elite players.

Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

"Pat Mahomes talks about how he couldn't even read a defense the first year he was in the league and it all it — you have to find that groove of wanting to get better, and really you have to be surrounded by coaches and players and people that'll tell you exactly how to do that and how to figure things out," said Travis.

Despite Hurts' willingness to embrace the challenge, the Eagles face an uncertain landscape in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers will be led by a new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, who has a diverse background in both college and professional football.

Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

Jason Kelce acknowledges that the Eagles are unsure of what to expect from Hafley's defense, speculating that the Packers could adopt a hybrid system that incorporates elements from both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.

"The (Eagles) coaches have had a full offseason, they know that they are going to get blitzed a lot early this year based on how last year ended. They've been focused on different ways to defeat the blitz from getting rid of the football to checks to putting the protection in ways that are conducive for the play called," said Jason Kelce.

Philadelphia Eagles Prepare for New Era Without Centerpiece Jason Kelce

The Eagles struggled against blitzes towards the end of last season, which contributed to their disappointing finish and playoff exit. The team has worked diligently during the offseason to address this issue and is confident in its ability to protect Hurts and facilitate a more productive offense.

In addition to his retirement from football, Jason Kelce will join ESPN's "Monday Night Football Countdown" as an analyst. He will also continue co-hosting "New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce," his popular podcast with his brother.