During the 2023 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles began strong as the defending NFC champions, boasting a 10-1 record before a dramatic collapse that saw them lose five of their last six regular-season games and exit in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Behind the scenes, reports indicated that the Eagles’ locker room atmosphere had soured, with All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown identified as a significant source of tension.
Although veteran center Jason Kelce had previously defended Brown against criticism, some new remarks made during Kelce’s retirement year have raised eyebrows. On Philadelphia Sports Radio 94 WIP, Kelce, who retired following the 2023 season and has worked with ESPN’s Monday Night Football pre-game show, delivered a critical assessment of Brown’s impact on the team dynamic. Kelce emphasized that Brown’s problem was not his public comments about the offense or quarterback Jalen Hurts, but rather Brown’s apparent lack of full effort on the field.
Few things are as frustrating than when you can optically see that (lack of effort) from one of your teammates,
Kelce explained.
Whatever was affecting A.J. (in 2025) was affecting the Eagles as well … he’s just unfortunately a player who allows his internal frustrations to manifest into his play, and it makes him play worse and makes the offense worse.
– Jason Kelce, Former Eagles Center and ESPN Analyst
Jason Kelce’s Legacy as a Philadelphia Sports Icon
Jason Kelce is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated athletes in Philadelphia history, standing alongside legends such as Mike Schmidt, Allen Iverson, Reggie White, Dr. J, and Bobby Clarke. Drafted in the sixth round (No. 191 overall) out of the University of Cincinnati in 2011, Kelce’s 13-season career with the Eagles included a Super Bowl victory and a second Super Bowl appearance. His record boasts six NFL All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods.
Kelce’s retirement speech resonated deeply with fans, as he shared the profound passion football brought to his life. He described the game as an emotional experience, saying it made him feel alive and free in ways unmatched by other sports.
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 tearfully.
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.
– Jason Kelce, Former Eagles Center
Prospects of an A.J. Brown Trade Grow Stronger
Following the turbulent 2023 season, the Eagles appear increasingly inclined to trade A.J. Brown despite his status as an elite wide receiver. Brown has spent four seasons with Philadelphia, but escalating locker room issues and recent comments could be nudging the team toward making a difficult decision.
Trading Brown, however, carries significant financial consequences. The Eagles would face a dead cap charge of $23.4 million in 2025, a number that would consume much of the expected salary cap increase and potentially limit the team’s flexibility moving forward.
The possible departure of Brown could mark a major shift for the Eagles, who must weigh his talent against the impact on team chemistry and salary cap management. Observers will be watching closely how the front office balances these factors in the coming months.
Jason Kelce on a perceived lack of effort from A.J. Brown this season:
"He's just unfortunately a player who allows his internal frustrations to manifest into his play, and it makes him play worse and makes the offense worse." pic.twitter.com/tsQxzKH1np
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) February 12, 2026
