Newly Retired Eagles Jason Kelce And Fletcher Cox Throw First Pitches, Sign Bryce Harper's Cleats

Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox both decide to hang ‘em up after the 2023 season, but they can’t keep those two dudes away from the Sports Complex down in South Philly.

Both Cox and Kelce took the mound at Citizen's Bank Park to throw out the ceremonial first pitch(es) ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies game against the Atlanta Braves — the second game of a three-game season-opening series.

As you may already know, I'm a ceremonial first-pitch connoisseur. Love 'em. So far this season, we already saw a solid first pitch from Kansas City Chiefs (and former Eagles head coach) Andy Reid.

However, unlike Reid, Kelce and Cox threw from the mound which is a ballsy decision, but I guess you don't have a choice if you're a freshly retired pro athlete. You've got to throw it the 69 feet, 6 inches.

Phillies Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber were behind the plate, and we got two solid ceremonial first pitches.

Cox went the safe route, which is what I would've done; a nice easy throw right on the money. Nothing crazy.

Kelce, on the other hand, threw a little extra mustard on his. That's dangerous. 

Lucky for him it went alright — a little low and inside — but nothing Bryce Harper would have any trouble corralling.

Speaking of Harper, since Kelce was out on the field, he had the ex-Eagles center sign his cleats for him.

I mean, why not? You're out on the field with him already, why not get a cool piece of memorabilia? Maybe it will prove to be lucky.

In this case, those cleats weren't lucky at all. Harper went hitless in the Phils' 12-4 loss to the Braves to drop them to 0-2 in the very young season.

While the result wasn't great, it was a cool pregame tribute to a couple of Eagles who are bonafide Philadelphia sports legends.