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The recently hung-up cleats of Eagles’ stalwarts Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox are set to grace the baseball diamond. This Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, the duo is slated to kick off the Phillies game with the ceremonial first pitch, a revelation made by Kelce himself on the New Heights podcast.
Despite their iconic status in Philadelphia, neither Kelce nor Cox has had the honor of inaugurating a Phillies game with the first pitch. This inaugural moment is eagerly awaited this Saturday against the Braves, with a 4:05 p.m. game start.
Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox to make their pitching debut
Kelce, with a chuckle, shared, “I’m throwing out a pitch, me and Fletcher Cox, so we’ll see how it goes. My elbow doesn’t work anymore, so I think Fletch is going to have to do it.” The camaraderie and light-hearted banter between the two promise an entertaining spectacle.
Kelce is no stranger to Phillies fervor, having been a fixture at numerous games, including the electric 2023 playoff chase. His vibrant presence isn’t just felt; it’s seen—Kelce famously left his mark by denting the Union’s mallet during a ceremonial drum beat in 2023. Cox, too, shares a special bond with the Phillies, having reveled in the locker room celebrations to the tune of “Dancing On My Own” following last year’s NLDS triumph over the Braves.
As the Phillies set sights on replicating that victory against Atlanta to jumpstart the 2024 season, Cox’s and Kelce’s presence might just be the lucky charm needed. And just a week ago, Kelce had showered high praise on Cox.
Kelce gives props to Cox
The Philadelphia Eagles community recently bid farewell to one of its legends, Fletcher Cox. The defensive tackle shared his retirement decision through an emotional Instagram post, marking the end of a remarkable 12-season journey exclusively with the Eagles. His impressive career, adorned with six Pro Bowl appearances, saw him amassing 70 sacks.
This announcement closely followed the retirement of Cox’s former comrade, Jason Kelce, who recently lauded Cox’s unmatchable prowess on the gridiron. On the New Heights podcast, Kelce extolled Cox, stating, “I mean, Fletcher is the epitome of what it is to be like, an Eagle. Like if you were to take like the ideal Eagle. In my opinion, it’s Fletcher Cox,” a testament to Cox’s indelible impact.
So, what distinguishes Fletcher as the quintessential Eagle? Beyond his remarkable skills on the field, it was his indomitable spirit, and his resilience. Cox wasn’t just a force to be reckoned with physically; his presence in the locker room was equally influential. Renowned for being an exceptional teammate, Kelce said, “Outstanding teammate. A guy that was very beloved in the organization by almost everybody. Never heard anybody say a bad thing about the man you know.” Cox’s legacy is not just in the records he set but in the unwavering spirit and camaraderie he brought to the Eagles.
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