Dean Wade played hero on Tuesday for the Cleveland Cavaliers, coming alive in crunch-time to lead his team to a thrilling 105-104 victory over the league-leading Boston Celtics. Even before Wade caught fire late, though, Tuesday’s game was already going to be an extra special one for sports followers of Northeast Ohio.
Why? It was Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce bobblehead night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, an event made especially memorable because it came on the heels of the Philadelphia Eagles legend officially announcing his retirement from football. The Cavs and their fans reacted accordingly, celebrating the older Kelce brother’s legendary career with a tribute video and wine-and-gold framed jersey bearing his number with the Eagles.
Jason and Travis Kelce grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio and starred on the football field at Cleveland Heights High School. Both brothers played at the University of Cincinnati before taking their talents to the NFL, where they eventually became two of the best ever at their respective positions—Jason at center and Travis at tight end.
The writing was on the wall for Jason Kelce’s playing career after Philadelphia was eliminated from the playoffs, his frequent, at-times drunken appearances during the Kansas City Chiefs’ second consecutive Super Bowl run confirming what everyone already knew. During a Monday press conference at Eagles headquarters, Kelce officially announced his retirement, fighting through heavy, persistent tears while reading a letter about his initial love for the game and the many coaches and teammates who made him love it more during his time in college and the NFL.
“I’ve been asked many times why did I choose football — what drew me to the game — and I never have an answer that gets it right,” Kelce said, per Tim McManus of ESPN. “The best way I could explain it is what draws you to your favorite song … your favorite book. It’s what it makes you feel. The seriousness of it. The intensity of it.
“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt. There was a visceral feeling with football, unlike any sport. The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.”