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Tight end Brent Celek will retire from the NFL having spent his entire 11-year career as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, and despite having the opportunity to play for another team in 2018, admitted the thought of playing in a different uniform didn’t feel right.
Celek was more than just another teammate, he was a leader in the locker room, a teacher to his position-mates, a team-first guy, and was a active member in the larger Philly community. He was drafted by Andy Reid, played under Chip Kelly, and won a Super Bowl under Doug Pederson.
He is one of the longest tenured players in Eagles history, and — in an absolutely mind-blowing stat — only missed one game in that entire time. (And, as BLG pointed out, Celek sat out during a Thursday night game — he would have played if the game was on Sunday.)
Eleven (11!!!) years and only missed one contest. He was so important to team’s evolution the past decade, and he went out on top.
His former teammates took to social media to send their congratulations and appreciation to their brother.
The greatest mentor I could have asked for. @BrentCelek, forever grateful to you for showing me the ropes in Philly, on and off the field. Congratulations on your retirement! #SuperBowlChamp #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/0Cklg2PlmK
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) August 31, 2018
Eagles Legend forever❗️Great career @BrentCelek pic.twitter.com/jOOQNVJlEl
— Rodney McLeod (@Rodney_McLeod4) August 31, 2018
Congrats on an amazing career Celsie. Best teammate I’ve ever had!! https://t.co/WUFQjuE22y
— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) August 31, 2018
Congratulations to Celek on an amazing career! It was an honor getting to play with you. One of my favorite teammates in my career. #GRIT https://t.co/EgQ0NJghyb
— James Casey (@jamescasey85) August 31, 2018
Congrats to @BrentCelek on a phenomenal career. An Unmatched leader and selfless player that I’ve learned a ton from. You’re everything that’s right about the game of football and the NFL. Enjoy your retirement bro!
— Chris Maragos (@ChrisMaragos) September 1, 2018
And over on Instagram, the tight end was getting a lot of love from former teammates too.
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