Philadelphia Eagles veteran Jason Kelce got extremely emotional when speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon. The center was asked about being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year. He brought up his teammate, Lane Johnson, who openly struggles with mental illness and missed games earlier in the season.
In the video, posted to Twitter by 6abc reporter Jamie Apody, Kelce broke down while praising Johnson's strength and inspiration.
Please watch: Jason Kelce's emotions get the best of him when asked about being nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He explained that many of his teammates are worthy, and then got to @LaneJohnson65 and all he's been through. What a moment. @Eagles @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/sciIUjwmSJ
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) December 15, 2021
“Lane Johnson, and what he's openly come back from this year. And to think…the amount of people that he's given hope to.”
Kelce paused multiple times during his response, struggling to find the words that became so evident through his raw emotions.
“That's the business we're in…We're in the business of hope. You know, what we do every day, what we do every game inspires millions of people. What we do off the field hopefully inspires people.”
Kelce said he is proud to be one of the many men in the NFL that strive to inspire others and make a difference.
For insight on the Eagles' Week 15 matchup against Washington, listen below:
Just a few weeks ago, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni crowned Kelce as the toughest guy he has ever been around. When Kelce was asked what it means to be tough, he had an unconventional response. He said that his idea of toughness has changed in his many years as a football player, and it isn't about being “this macho, very physically dominating, sometimes angry, type of fellow.”
According to Kelce, toughness is dedication and persistence to your team, a trait that both he and Johnson have continued to embody throughout their time with the Eagles.
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