Eagles icon Jason Kelce makes feelings known on Cam Jurgens being tapped as "Kelce replacement"

Philadelphia Eagles' fans might be bracing for a post-Jason Kelce era. However, the veteran center himself isn’t buying into the narrative of a "Kelce replacement." Taking to Wednesday's episode of the "New Heights" podcast, the 2018 Super Bowl champion made his stance clear.

"I'm not calling him "Kelce's replacement,'" Jason Kelce said. [37:15] "I think it's awesome, Listen, we've known Cam Juergens is a great player in the Eagles organization. He's got all the tools. He's athletic, he's strong, he's he's got long arms, he's big, he's smart, he's explosive."

"There are things that he is much better at than I ever was at, and like, there's always going to be every player is unique no matter how similar the traits are. He's the replacement for anybody that ever played center for the Philadelphia Eagles like, I just don't think that that's the way you look at the job."

Kelce’s praise is more than just words.

Cam Jurgens was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of 2022 as the 51st overall pick. After a year as Kelce’s understudy and a successful stint as a right guard, he stepped into the critical center role in September 2024. Moreover, he became the first non-Kelce player to start a season opener at center for the Eagles since 2010.

The young NFL center was not fazed by the transition. Instead, he was confident ahead of the start of the 2024 season to lead the offensive line.

“You know, I'm worried about what I'm doing and that's all I really care about,” Jurgens said in September 2024 before a practice session. “I'm not trying to replace anybody. I'm just trying to be the best player I can be. That's all I really care about. I mean, there's gonna be scrutiny. Doesn't really matter who I (replace), you guys are gonna scrutinize if I do bad like you should and if I do good.”

As per Eagles offensive tackle, Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce saw something special in Cam—his movement, his strength, and his work ethic.

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Cam Jurgens proved Eagles and Jason Kelce's faith was well-placed

When the Philadelphia Eagles tapped Cam Jurgens to step into Jason Kelce’s legendary shoes, the main question was how the young center would handle the daunting task. By season’s end, Jurgens has really silenced the critics.

Starting in 16 of 17 regular-season games, he led the Eagles' offensive line with much precision and was named in the Pro Bowl selection in the process. His efforts paid off when it came to pushing his team to a 14-3 record and landing in the league’s top-ranked rushing offense.

One of the best parts of Cam Jurgens' season was how he helped Saquon Barkley have an amazing year. Thanks to Jurgens' strong and steady play, Barkley set a new Eagles record for most rushing yards in a season, running for over 2,000 yards.

However, Jurgens didn't just help the running game, his control of the offensive line also gave quarterback Jalen Hurts plenty of time to make plays.