Jason Kelce goes viral for speaking boldly about the importance of loving fathers: 'The greatest gift a child could ask for'

Philadelphia Eagles lineman Jason Kelce officially retired on Monday, ending his 13-year NFL career. It's big news in the sports world, no doubt. But it's what Kelce said about fatherhood that transcended the sports industry and sent the future NFL Hall of Fame inductee viral.

At his retirement press conference, Kelce recounted his football career from his peewee days through his professional tenure. It's a story about football, of course, but Kelce weaved another, perhaps more important, theme through his story: family.

His brother — superstar tight end Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — his father, mother, and his own wife and three daughters: Kelce explained how each has played a critical role in his NFL career and, more importantly, how his family has shaped him to be the man he is today.

"A father who is present, loving, devoted just may be the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society."

The climax of his speech, which has received tens of millions of views on social media, centered on Kelce's reflection of the critical role that fathers play in the lives of their children.

"I am a product of my upbringing," Kelce said.

"I think one of the best things a person can be in this world is a father — a father who is present, loving, devoted just may be the greatest gift a child could ask for in our society," he explained.

Kelce's father, Ed, is "damn good," he added, because he "believed in me more than anyone."

"He believed in me and my brother. And whenever my own insecurities would arise or self-doubt would come in, he would stifle them with the warm embrace of belief, unwavering love and belief," Kelce said.

Kelce is right. Loving and nurturing fathers are critical for the health of children, family, and society itself.

It's refreshing that a sports superstar of Kelce's caliber is using his platform to speak boldly about the importance of fatherhood and against the cultural lie that true fulfillment is found within the individual rather than the sacrificial pouring out of oneself to build up others, especially a family.

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