
GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- Retired Eagles center Jason Kelce drew a packed crowd and a rock-star welcome during a campus visit Tuesday at Rowan University.
He spoke with students and faculty about his football journey, life and the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kelce, the former All-Pro center who spent his entire NFL career in Philadelphia, reflected on his path, including before becoming a household name.
Now retired, Kelce has shifted his focus to new roles as a podcast host and ESPN NFL analyst. With the NFL Draft just days away, he said he expects plenty of unpredictability.
"It's going to be chaotic. Things are going to happen that no one sees coming. We're going to add some new teammates here in Philadelphia, which will be very exciting," Kelce said in an exclusive one-on-one interview with Action News.
Kelce was also asked about Eagles WR A.J. Brown, who could be traded, according to some reports. He described Brown as both a great player and teammate.
"I know AJ personally. I played with him, he's an awesome teammate. He's an incredibly talented player. At the same time, you've seen the frustrations over the last couple years. I don't know where he's at or where the teams is. Everything gets to a point where it's gonna come to an end and maybe it's at the point," Kelce said.
"AJ has clearly been frustrated and sometimes that frustrates the fans, but one thing I do find unique is that the players really haven't manifested in a negative way towards AJ, which lends me to think that a lot of people understand AJ's frustrations. I think AJ is a great player where if he is moved, the Eagles will miss him. He's not the reason the offense wasn't good last year," Kelce added.
Kelce spent 13 seasons anchoring the Eagles' offensive line, playing a central role in delivering the franchise's first Super Bowl title in 2018.
Even in retirement, Kelce remains a vocal ambassador for Philadelphia sports culture, extending his enthusiasm beyond football.
"If you play hockey all out, it's just such a fun sport to watch, and the Flyers are definitely making Philadelphia proud through two games right now," he said.
Tuesday, Kelce met with Rowan students in the Sports Communication and Media program and the football team.
He offered this advice to the students who packed the Pfleeger Concert Hall: "Enjoy every second of this because once it's gone -- I played in the NFL for 13 years -- nothing replicates being in college and that experience," Kelce said.
Kelce said it was his first visit to Rowan University and added that he plans to return for a future football game, prompting cheers from the crowd.