The legendary Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce recently made a highly anticipated return to the team’s training facility to test his physical limits against his rigorous former NFL workout regimen. Despite losing 30 pounds since his retirement, Kelce surprised many by beating his personal best speed record, while also facing the humbling reality of the immense physical demands of professional football.
For Philadelphia Eagles fans, the sight of Jason Kelce back at the team’s training facility always brings a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The beloved center, who officially retired from the NFL in March 2024 after 13 storied seasons, recently laced up for a different kind of challenge: attempting to complete his old in-season workout routine. This unique endeavor, captured in a video shared by the Eagles on social media, offered a raw and honest look at the physical toll of elite sports and Kelce’s enduring competitive spirit.
The Return to the Linc: A Humbling Yet Inspiring Challenge
Stepping back into the familiar halls of the Eagles facility, Kelce, 37, admitted the challenge was daunting. Having lost 30 pounds since his retirement, a common adjustment for former linemen, he wasn’t sure what to expect. His goal was to see if he could still measure up to the grueling standards he maintained with Head Strength Coach Fernando Noriega during his playing days, a feat that would prove both surprising and “f—ing exhausting,” as Kelce himself described it.
The workout video quickly became a viral sensation among fans, showcasing Kelce’s signature humor and honesty. He cracked jokes about his inflexibility and asked camera operators to “cut that, right boys?” after some less-than-stellar moments. This candid approach has always endeared him to the Eagles faithful, who appreciate his authenticity whether he’s celebrating a Super Bowl victory or confronting a heckling fan.
Speed Demon, Agility Struggles, and the Weight Room Battle
One of the most surprising outcomes of Kelce’s return to the workout regimen was his performance in speed drills. Noriega, his longtime strength coach, predicted Kelce wouldn’t beat his previous personal best. However, Kelce shattered expectations, improving his top recorded speed from 19.2 mph to an impressive 19.64 mph, and then again to 19.72 mph. This unexpected burst of speed, even after retirement and weight loss, left both Kelce and Noriega astonished, with Noriega quipping that “Some of the guys probably playing now can’t hit that.”
Despite his newfound speed, the agility portion of the workout proved more challenging. Kelce confessed he used to be “very, very good at that,” but having not attempted it “in over a year,” he visibly struggled. This highlighted the specific, specialized movements that NFL players constantly train for, which can quickly diminish without regular practice.
The weight room brought its own set of humbling moments. After warming up with 135 lb. barbell squats, Kelce moved to 225 lbs, noting some attempts were “embarrassing” and “really bad.” He then attempted to hit his in-season routine number of 500 pounds, a “psychological” benchmark that made him feel strong on the field. While he managed to lift 455 lbs, he couldn’t conquer the 505 lb. barbell, admitting, “I almost blew my back out on that one” and that he was “a little tired.”
As detailed by People, the workout continued with lateral pulldowns, incline dumbbell presses, and bicep curls, pushing Kelce to his limits. Towards the end, he confessed, “I’m so f—ing tired. I’m fading quick.” The session concluded with a plate-holding challenge, which he couldn’t complete, humorously attributing it to years of “punching people and grabbing them” making his thumbs weak.
Kelce’s Enduring Legacy and Post-NFL Life
Kelce’s decision to undergo this public workout is a testament to his transparent nature and deep connection with the fan base. His post-retirement journey has been openly shared, including his significant 30 lb. weight loss. This authenticity is a hallmark of his public persona, from his emotional retirement speech to his candid discussions on the “New Heights” podcast with his brother Travis Kelce, as discussed in fan communities.
After the workout, Noriega playfully deflected when asked how Kelce would stack up against current NFL players, suggesting they “keep it NFL Jason Kelce vs. now Jason Kelce.” On X (formerly Twitter), Kelce reflected on the experience, calling it “humbling” and noting his speed was still there but “power numbers were way down,” humorously adding he’d blame the full workout for that result and maintain that a “fresh Jason Kelce can still hit that.” The original workout video can be viewed directly from the Eagles’ official account.
Kelce’s career, marked by a Super Bowl LII title, seven Pro Bowl selections, and six All-Pro selections, cemented his status as one of the most popular players in Eagles history and a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, according to NFL.com. His latest workout saga only adds another chapter to his legendary story, demonstrating that even in retirement, his competitive fire and dedication remain undimmed, albeit with a touch more humility and a lot of humor.
