Jason Kelce has informed his Eagles teammates that he is retiring, according to reports

 According to league insiders, Philadelphia Eagles great centre Jason Kelce informed his teammates in the locker room after Monday night's game that he is retiring.

Kelce, 36, was noticeably emotional following the Eagles' 32-9 wild-card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The six-time All-Pro and potential Hall of Famer had mulled retiring in former seasons, but this time he will, according to insiders.

Kelce declined to speak with reporters in the locker room following the game, stating, "No, guys, not today."

"I love him," Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. "He's amazing, and I adore him. He's one of the most unique individuals I've met. He's always had a place here.

Kelce had a one-year contract this season and was slated to become a free agent in March.

Kelce, a sixth-round draft pick in 2011, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Eagles, serving as a vital leader for a team that has made six postseason visits and two Super Bowl trips in the last seven seasons.

"He's a legend in the city -- and really in the league," Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts stated. "I don't want to diminish what he's accomplished and overcome. His journey to where he is today was not easy. It's been a long time coming for him, and every year while I've been here, the question has been, 'Are you going to come back?'

"But he understands how much I adore and appreciate him. He understands how much I have gained from him. He will always have a particular place in my heart.

Lane Johnson, the Eagles right tackle, told reporters that Kelce has "hinted" to teammates that this will be his final season.

"I love him. "He's one of the best to ever play the game," Johnson declared. "The things he can do on the football pitch athletically -- I don't think we'll see another one like him for a long time."

Kelce is the fifth centre in NFL history to receive at least six All-Pro selections. The other four, Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermontti Dawson, and Jim Ringo, are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.