Jason Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles center and Super Bowl champion, has been on a new mission since stepping away from professional football in March 2024. Known for his dominance on the field and leadership in the locker room, Kelce is now focused on improving his health, dropping weight, and adjusting to life after the NFL. At his peak playing days, he carried nearly 295 pounds to anchor the offensive line. Today, Kelce is down about 25 to 30 pounds, weighing around 270 pounds as of May 2025, and still working toward his goal weight of 250 to 260 pounds.
Transitioning from the NFL to Retirement
For more than a decade, Jason Kelce was one of the toughest and most consistent linemen in the NFL. His playing weight, close to 300 pounds, was necessary to hold his ground against some of the league’s biggest defenders. However, once retirement arrived, his priorities shifted. Carrying that much weight was no longer essential and instead posed challenges for his long-term health, especially his back and knees, which endured years of physical strain during his career.
Kelce has been candid about his transition, admitting that while stepping away from the game was emotionally tough, it gave him a new focus: regaining balance in his body and prioritizing wellness.
The Motivation Behind His Weight Loss
Kelce’s decision to lose weight is not only about appearance but also functionality and quality of life. He has openly shared that one of his biggest motivations is being able to stay active with his young children. Shedding extra pounds allows him to move more freely, keep up with his kids, and reduce pressure on his joints.
Improving his physical health was another major factor. Years in the trenches of the NFL left him with wear and tear on his knees, back, and ankles. Dropping weight is helping him manage these lingering issues and set himself up for a healthier retirement.
Tracking Progress with Discipline
Unlike some athletes who let themselves go after retirement, Kelce has approached this new chapter with a disciplined plan. He closely tracks his calories, paying attention not only to how much he eats but also to what kinds of foods he consumes.
One of his main strategies has been focusing on protein intake to preserve lean muscle while losing fat. This balance is crucial for someone like Kelce, whose body was built for strength and power. Cutting weight without losing too much muscle ensures he maintains strength for his everyday activities and workouts.
To measure progress, Kelce has been using DEXA scans, a tool that gives precise information about body composition. This approach highlights how seriously he is taking the science behind his health journey, going beyond just looking at the scale.
A Friendly Competition with Beau Allen
Adding a competitive twist to his journey, Kelce has been participating in a weight loss challenge with his former Eagles teammate, Beau Allen. The two use DEXA scans to track who can shed more body fat while still maintaining muscle.
This friendly rivalry not only keeps Kelce motivated but also mirrors the competitive nature that fueled his NFL career. Having a teammate alongside him in this challenge makes the process more enjoyable and provides accountability as both men push each other toward their goals.
Physical Struggles in Retirement
Even with impressive progress, Kelce has admitted that the road hasn’t been without obstacles. Retirement has brought unexpected physical challenges as his body adjusts to a different lifestyle.
He has shared that he strained muscles while lifting weights, a sign that his body is still recalibrating after years of heavy football training. Additionally, he experienced ankle inflammation after playing golf, a reminder that even recreational sports can cause strain during this transition phase.
Despite these setbacks, Kelce remains committed. He has not allowed minor injuries to derail his focus, instead adjusting his routines and continuing with patience.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Habits
Kelce’s weight loss is not the result of a fad diet or extreme fitness program. Instead, he has emphasized gradual, sustainable changes.
Diet
He prioritizes nutrient-rich meals, paying close attention to portion sizes while ensuring he still gets enough fuel to stay active. Lean proteins, vegetables, and balanced carbs are staples of his diet, allowing him to maintain energy without carrying unnecessary calories.
Fitness Routine
His workouts are more balanced compared to his NFL training days. Instead of pushing heavy weights for strength and bulk, he now focuses on lighter, functional exercises that improve mobility, flexibility, and endurance. Walking, stretching, and modified weight training are key parts of his fitness plan.
Mindset Shift
Perhaps most importantly, Kelce’s approach reflects a mindset shift. No longer is his body just a tool for football. Instead, it is his foundation for enjoying life with his family and staying healthy long-term.
Jason Kelce’s Next Chapter
As of August 2025, Jason Kelce remains about 270 pounds, just 10 to 20 pounds away from his target range of 250 to 260. His steady progress shows that he is not rushing the process but focusing on sustainable change.
Kelce’s journey is inspiring to both former athletes and everyday people. His transparency about the struggles and discipline required proves that weight loss is not a straight path but a continuous effort. More than just numbers on a scale, his story highlights the importance of longevity, mobility, and enjoying life after a demanding career.
Final Thoughts
Jason Kelce’s weight loss journey is proof that retirement is not the end of an athlete’s health story but the beginning of a new one. From dropping nearly 30 pounds to rethinking his fitness and diet, he has shown resilience and determination in this new phase of life.
With his competitive drive, commitment to family, and focus on long-term health, Kelce is well on his way to achieving his goals. Fans who admired his grit on the football field now get to see the same determination as he takes on one of the most important challenges of all: building a healthier future beyond the NFL.
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