When Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce announced his retirement on Monday after a remarkable 13-year tenure in the NFL, it wasn't just his career highlights that captured everyone's attention. The heartwarming gesture of his ankles being taped up at the press conference spoke volumes of the bond beyond the gridiron, which, as shared by Joe O'Pella, the team's athletic trainer, is as genuine as it gets. A social media post by O'Pella that made rounds on the internet, this act symbolized a deep personal connection rooted in compassion and support during O'Pella's battle with cancer, according to FOX 5 San Diego.
Amidst his treatment, O'Pella was unable to be present for Kelce's final NFL game. In response to O'Pella's regret at not being able to tape up Kelce one last time, the star center made sure to provide his long-time trainer with one final symbolic moment. "When he told me he would be retiring and I expressed my regret of not being the last person to ever tape him, he offered to have me tape him for his retirement press conference," O'Pella has recalled, as per FOX29.
The story, forming an emotional backdrop to the retirement announcement, resonated with fans and colleagues alike, highlighting Kelce's character as much as his playing prowess. Kelley's gestures of kindness weren't isolated to the taping episode. The Eagles Center had also offered his beach house and paid for meal services to ease O'Pella and his wife's ordeal during treatment. This off-field camaraderie went far beyond the usual player-trainer dynamic, as reported by A to Z Sports.
The shared experiences between Kelce and O'Pella include a series of personal and supportive exchanges that reveal a friendship forged in the unique fires of professional sports. O'Pella, who lives in Haverford with his wife and twin sons, detailed their mutual support over the years, from rehab after a knee injury to family getaways and philanthropic events like the Polar Plunge in Sea Isle City. "What would occur over the next 12+ years would certainly impact my life in a way I never imagined," O'Pella wrote, as told to FOX29.
