In an emotional end to a storied NFL career, Philadelphia Eagles’ Jason Kelce shares a heartfelt moment with team trainer Joe O’Pella, battling cancer, by asking him to tape his ankles one last time before retirement.
In a heartfelt gesture marking the end of an illustrious 13-season NFL career, Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce made a notable act of kindness towards his long-time team trainer, Joe O’Pella. O’Pella, who is currently battling cancer and was unable to attend Kelce’s final game, shared a poignant moment when Kelce requested him to tape his ankles one last time before delivering his retirement speech. This act underscored the deep bond formed between Kelce and O’Pella over the years.
Kelce’s kindness extended beyond this gesture; he had been a support to O’Pella throughout his cancer treatment, even offering his beach house for O’Pella to use. During his emotional retirement press conference, Kelce took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards his family, particularly highlighting the support of his wife, Kylie.
The interaction between Kelce and O’Pella sheds light on the profound relationships that exist behind the scenes in professional sports, demonstrating the respect and appreciation athletes have for their support teams. This moment between a player and his trainer serves as a testament to the impacts that kindness and recognition can have, reaching far beyond the confines of the sport itself.