Shaq Tells Jason Kelce to Learn From His ‘Dumb Mistakes’ When He Retires Men’s Health

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES CENTER Jason Kelce made headlines recently when he reportedly announced his plans to retire from professional football following the 2023 season to his teammates. The NFL star, who along with his brother Travis Kelce shot to the forefront of the sports world’s consciousness following 2023’s “Kelce Bowl”—has yet to officially confirm his retirement. But he is already receiving advice from another legendary athlete on how to call it a career with grace.

During a recent conversation on The Big Podcast With Shaq, former four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal offered some words of wisdom to Kelce, based on his own experiences after he quit basketball.

“My advice to you is: if you are going to retire, accept it,” he said. “Enjoy your family, brother. I made a lot of dumb mistakes to where I lost my family and I didn’t have anybody. That’s not the case for you. So enjoy your beautiful wife. Enjoy your beautiful kids, and never dwell on what we had. What we had is what we got.”

Shaq gives Jason Kelce some advice on retirement ️ pic.twitter.com/2wZHC5pYR7

— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) February 17, 2024

O’Neal ended his 19-year baller career in 2011 and divorced his wife Shaunie Nelson, with whom he shares four children, that same year. He later said that he blamed himself for the breakdown of their marriage, and reiterated to Kelce the importance of staying grounded and valuing his relationship with wife Kylie McDevitt and their three daughters Wyatt Elizabeth, Elliotte Ray, and Bennett Llewellyn.

“You got the ring. People know who you are. Enjoy,” he continued. “Because again, I was an idiot and I’ve talked about it a long time. I lost my whole family. I’m in a 100,000 square foot house by myself.”