NFL-Former Eagle Kelce torn after watching brother Travis and Chiefs lose Super Bowl

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(Reuters) – Retired NFL player Jason Kelce said on Tuesday he had a tough time processing his feelings after watching his former Philadelphia Eagles team shut down younger brother Travis Kelce in a Super Bowl rout of the Kansas City Chiefs.

The elder Kelce, who won a Super Bowl with Philadelphia in 2018 but lost to his brother and the Chiefs in the title game two years ago, was in attendance on Sunday in New Orleans where the Eagles cruised to a 40-22 victory.

“That game was odd for me to watch if I’m being completely honest,” Kelce, who retired last year, wrote on X. “I knew it was going to be mixed emotions before, during, and after, and I now know what my parents had to deal with two years ago.

“On one hand, I wanted what is best for my brother, and to see his success. And on the other hand, there are so many people, teammates, and coaches, in the Philadelphia Eagles organization that I care deeply about, many of whom I owe my own success to throughout my career.”

The younger Kelce, considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, was limited to an underwhelming four catches for 39 yards in Sunday’s game where Kansas City were denied an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title.

“As for my brother, there isn’t a person I love or care about more. It has been tough to process these feelings, of course I feel for him and am always rooting for him, but I know he does not need, nor want my pity,” wrote Jason Kelce.

“He has amassed greatness few on this planet could ever dream of, as has his team, and they should feel pride in their accomplishments this season and in the past.”

Jason Kelce, who earned seven Pro Bowl bids during a 13-year NFL career spent entirely with Philadelphia, also expressed pride in what his former team have accomplished.

“It is extremely difficult for a team in the NFL to have enough talent, coaching, fortune, and character to win a Super Bowl,” Jason Kelce wrote.

“The character and swagger of this Eagles team was something truly special to behold. A true representation of the toughness and grit that makes Philadelphia what it is. Well done fellas.”

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)