Jason Kelce has high praise for Mark Dantonio in retirement speech

Originally posted on Spartan Shadows | By Levi Bright | Last updated 3/5/24

Jason Kelce announced his NFL retirement recently and during his speech, he gave praise to MSU legend Mark Dantonio.

Former Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio has long since retired, but his legacy lives on.

Dantonio is mostly known for his tenure at Michigan State from 2007-19, and rightfully so — he won multiple Big Ten titles with the program, developed numerous NFL players, and finished with a program-record 114 wins. It was a legendary run for sure, and the coach will always be remembered as a Spartan.

However, East Lansing wasn’t the only place he made an impact. In the years leading up to his hiring at Michigan State, Dantonio held numerous coaching positions around the world of college football, the most notable of which being the head job at Cincinnati. Before departing for Michigan State, he oversaw the Bearcats’ football program from 2004-06.

Do you know who else was at Cincinnati in 2006?

Jason Kelce.

The legendary NFL center — arguably one of the best offensive linemen ever — recently officially announced his retirement, and during an emotional speech made sure to credit Mark Dantonio and emphasize his gratitude towards him. Kelce shared only one season with Dantonio, but it’s clear that one season under the legendary head coach was enough to make a huge impact.

“That entire year I consider a blessing, (Head Coach Mark) Dantonio ran a tough program. The weight room was even tougher, and I redefined in my mind what working hard actually was. They pushed me into areas of fatigue I didn't know I had. And for that experience, I am forever…

— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) March 5, 2024

In his speech, the former Eagles center detailed how Dantonio ran the Cincinnati program, how he pushed his players to become even better and stronger. I think it’s fair to assume that a lot of these principles Kelce discusses are a big part of what made Dantonio so successful. It had to have been a demanding environment, but Kelce says he’s grateful for what it did for him — a sentiment undoubtedly mirrored by leagues of others that played under the same head coach.

Dantonio will always be remembered as a Michigan State legend, but Spartans weren’t the only program he impacted.

Just ask Jason Kelce.

This article first appeared on Spartan Shadows and was syndicated with permission.

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