NFL
TSJ 101 Sports Sat down With Brent Celek To Discuss His Not-Yet Public Retirement
By the time you are reading this article, Brent Celek will have announced his retirement from the National Football League. The former Philadelphia Eagles tight-end finished an 11-year career with a Super Bowl victory this past February. Celek, who was drafted by the Eagles back in 2005, spent the entirety of his career in Philadelphia. I talked with Brent about his time in Philadelphia and his decision to retire earlier this week.
Lauren Phillips: News started to circulate on Monday that you had retired from the NFL can you confirm that news?
Brent Celek: Um, I mean I’m going to be saying something this week. I want it to be done my way. So on Friday, I’ll make the announcement.
LP: What led to that decision? How did you know it was time?
BC: I just was thinking about my entire career and everything that had gone on and was it really worth going and playing somewhere else or just riding it out and going out a Super Bowl champion. That was what I wanted to do, that’s the thing that made the most sense to me. It was a great way to go out.
LP: You couldn’t have written a better last season of your career, does it feel like your career is complete?
BC: It does, yeah. I think it could have come to this realization a little bit quicker. You never know until you sit there and start thinking about everything.
LP: What’s next for you?
BC: I’m gonna start selling Real Estate… out of Media.
“There May Be Times That They Boo, But I Think That Just Shows How Passionate They are.”
Brent’s 11-year career makes him one of the longest-tenured Eagles in franchise history. He broke a franchise record in 2008 for yards in a game (131) as well as receptions in a game (10). Throughout his time in Philly, Celek has become a beloved figure in the city. Brent made it clear that that brotherly love was mutual.
LP: You were born and raised in Cincinnati Ohio but after a decade playing with the Eagles, do you feel like a Philadelphian?
BC: Oh yeah, I definitely feel like a Philadelphian. That’s where I’m going to be living…
LP: Well, we definitely look at you as a ‘Son of Ben’
BC: Oh, thank you
LP: Describe a Philadelphia Eagles fan to me
BC: Passionate! And they’re always going to be going to the games. I think that’s the biggest thing. It’s easy to know that they care because they always show up. There may be times that they boo, but I think that just shows how passionate they are. If they’re gonna come out there, they wanna see something good. They’re always going to be there.
It wasn’t always all cheesesteaks and rainbows in the Nation’s First capital. The Eagles went from division and conference dominance in the early 2000’s to some painful lows. While most on the current squad may not remember the two era’s before them, Brent is a walking textbook.
LP: You played under three different coaches here in Philadelphia; what was the main takeaway you garnered from each.
BC: I mean, all of them had their different personalities. Just learning how they dealt with different players, different situations. I think they really helped me grow as a person and learn how to deal with people, because how they did it over and over; if it worked or if it didn’t work, I could see that. And make my own decisions.
“We Were A Group of Guys That Just Didn’t Want To Be Denied”
The Super Bowl champion TE talked with me about his new piece of jewelry along with what pushed the Eagles over the threshold. After successful seasons finishing without the trophy, we discussed what brought Philly to the promised land this year.
LP: Was there ever any doubt last season that you guys could and would win it all.
BC: Not at all.
LP: In your opinion, what was the shift that happened in the organization that took you guys from missing the playoffs in 2016 to hoisting the trophy at the end of the 2017 season? What changed?
BC: I mean I just think it was a collaboration of the players and coaches going out there and getting the job done. There are points in games that will sway the momentum one way or the other. When the momentum is going the other way, you have to stop it. If it’s going your way, you got to keep it. I think we did a great job of that all year. Whether that came down to guys making plays or coaches calling certain plays, at certain times, you know we executed. We got things done when they needed to get done.
LP: What was the mood and the tone like in the locker room like this past February before you all ran out onto the field to compete in the Super Bowl?
BC: I think there was a confidence. I think there was, we were a group of guys that just didn’t want to be denied, really when it comes down to it. But there was no like worry; it was just different. It was like we were ready for this moment we were ready for this game. This was the time to do it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfCYm8HDA6l/?taken-by=brentcelek
“This Team Was Just Special”
LP: What was it like when the confetti started to fall, there’s this now-iconic shot of you just overcome with emotion after winning. And it hit you that you guys had beat the Patriots and were bringing the first Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia?
BC: I mean it was crazy. It just didn’t feel real. It was the first time ever. The feeling was, you just wanted to go up to your boys and hug them. Like “there’s nothing left to do this season. We did it all” We had obviously never felt that before, there are obviously guys that had on other teams, but I think that this team was just special. It was different. It’s hard to explain. All the injuries we had, all of that stuff, we had to overcome it, and we did it.
LP: Is it ever surreal to look down at your hand and see a championship ring?
BC: It feels so good. Every time I look at it, it feels so good. I don’t think it’ll ever get old.
“He Modeled Himself Off Of Superheroes, And That’s What He Was On The Field”
Towards the end of our interview, Brent reflected back on his career from a more bird’s eye view. We spoke about past teammates and some of his favorite memories.
LP: You said in an Instagram post (this year) regarding Brian Dawkins: “11 years ago I came to the Eagles thinking Brian was a real-life superhero. 11 years later I still feel the same way. “ Describe the man B Dawk is, what his impact on you and those teams, and just how brazen and intimidating “Weapon X” is?
BC: I’ll tell you what, on game day there is nobody more intense than Brian Dawkins and the team felt that and fed off of that. He was obviously a special player for this city and this nation for many years. The guy, he modeled himself off of superheroes, and that’s what he was on the field. I think he continued that trend off the field, you know everything that he’s done; helping people, helping young guys grow.
LP: I hear that your favorite picture of your playing career is you leaping over a Baltimore Ravens defender, why that picture?
BC: Ed Reed, because he was a Hall of Famer. And I just think jumping over somebody looks cool (laughing)
LP: Teammate most likely to pull a prank?
BC: Hmm. I mean we were always joking with each other, but I’ll say, Chris Long.
LP: Teammate most likely to give the pre-game hype speech?
BC: Malcolm.
LP: Teammate most likely to almost miss the bus?
BC: Um that’s tough… Kendricks… (laughing)
LP: Teammate most likely to get their music turned off in the locker room?
BC: That’s a good question (pause). I’ll just say Kelc (Kelce).
LP: One of my favorite memories of your playing career is you making a sliding catch in the “Snow Bowl” game against the Detroit Lions back in 2013? Another is the emotional look of victory on your face as the green, and white confetti was falling in Minnesota, Reflecting back on your time in the NFL, what would you say are the top three moments of your playing career?
BC: I’d say definitely that Snow Bowl, winning the Super Bowl, my second year beating Dallas to get into the playoffs. Oh, I forgot, the Miracle at the Meadowlands II.
Thank You #87
I read Brent some messages from Eagles fans upon hearing of his departure from the Eagles and whispers of his retirement.
LP:
- Love you always, thanks
- Thank you for all of the memories you gave the Bird Gang!!!
- Congrats… you deserve everything you get in the new chapter you are about to experience, stay you and never change
- Thank you for helping create the Super Bowl picture that hangs in my basement
- (to the Philadelphia Eagles) Retire his number and put him in our Hall of Fame
- Thank you for bringing the Super Bowl to my city!
- You will be missed
- Such a quality guy. I don’t have a single memory of watching the eagles without this man being on the team. I’m so glad he was able to get that ring…
- Thank you for everything, Brent
- Congrats to you Brent and thanks for it all you gave. Good luck on your next adventure
- Thank you for 11 awesome seasons! You’ll be missed
- As a Saints fan, I have high respect for one team career players. He’ll always go down as a true one in my books. Congrats on creating an eventual Hall of Famer
- Thank you #87
- Thank you, Brent
LP: Brent, that has me emotional reading those off. This city adores you, I hope that this city has done its job to show just how beloved you are. Do you feel that love that this city has for you?
BC: When you read those things it gives me chills… and 100% and I give it right back. I love everything this city has provided for me, everything its taught me, and ultimately to share a Super Bowl win, a first-ever, with them has been super special.
LP: If you could say anything to the city of Philadelphia, which I’m sure you’ll say in your announcement Friday, what would it be?
BC: Just keep being you, because you guys are the greatest most passionate fans in the world. Now I’m one of you. I moved from one side to the other.
LP: Brent, I want to thank you for everything. For sitting down for this interview, for the Super Bowl victory, for these 11 seasons, and everything you’ve done for my city. Thank you, Brent.
BC: Oh, you’re welcome Lauren!
Welcome To The Bird Gang
He’s broken franchise records, carved his name into the NFL’s history books, and helped bring the Lombardi Trophy to the City of Brotherly Love for the first time. Brent is no stranger to hard work, and we are sure his future endeavors will be met with success.
Yet for the first time in his life, he’ll be crossing over from the field to the stands. As Brent said, he’s one of us now. Well Celek, welcome to the bird gang. (Cue Fly Eagles Fly).
