Jason Kelce continues to make headlines after the end of his career. The Eagles legend clashes with a user on Twitter and makes a statement that raises concerns about his health.

It was with great emotion and many tears that Jason Kelce announced his retirement around two months ago. The offensive lineman had previously spent a whole twelve years in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles. A long period of time that has not passed without consequences for the now 36-year-old.

Kelce caused a stir this week with a surprising admission as part of a social media conversation. The ex-NFL star declared that he suffers from CTE.

It all started with a Twitter post from Kelce in which he referred to the recent Kentucky Derby and claimed that the 1973 winning racehorse “Secretariat” was pumped full of steroids. This horse won all three races and set a record time in the process.

Kelce backed up his claims with a long post. To his knowledge, there were too few tests at the time.

Kelce statement counters user with surprising admission

Another Twitter user didn’t want to let the NFL legend’s post stand and attacked her personally.

“You know who else is making unfounded claims that aren’t backed up by facts. People who suffer from CTE,” the user wrote. “I admit I don’t know if Jason Kelce suffers from CTE or not. It’s impossible to know,” he added.

However, Kelce did not counter-attack, but admitted that he is indeed affected by CTE. “I can practically guarantee that I have CTE, all the research indicates that I am affected to some degree. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to assume that I have some degree of this pathology,” he explained.

Just going to put this out there, you know who else makes unsubstantiated claims not backed up by facts. People suffering from CTE. I’ll admit I don’t know whether @JasonKelce suffers from CTE or not, it’s impossible to know… https://t.co/ST32mfjags

– Jay Privman (@jayprivman) May 9, 2024

Kelce apologizes for controversial statement

In a later statement, the 36-year-old admitted he had made a mistake and tried to calm things down.

“I really thought it was common knowledge that steroid use was widespread in the 70s. I’m not trying to take away from Secretariat or anyone’s legacy from that era,” he said, expressing remorse: “Without evidence, it’s unfair to imply these things publicly, and I apologize.”

CTE is a progressive degenerative disease that affects people who have suffered multiple concussions or have been exposed to repeated head trauma.

Symptoms include memory loss, aggression, confusion, depression, impaired judgment, impulse control difficulties, anxiety and a host of other possible impairments.

CTE has become a hotly debated topic in the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell has often been accused of covering up the effects that an NFL career can have in this regard. Former wide receiver Antonio Brown and former defensive tackle Warren Sapp have already admitted to their illness.