Brent Celek retired as a member of the Eagles after 11 seasons, but he’s maintained employment with the franchise and is playing a key role in preparation for Super Bowl LIX.
During Friday’s practice ahead of the trip to New Orleans, Celek ran routes against C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship, clearly playing the role of Chiefs All-World tight end Travis Kelce.
Brent Celek running routes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
The #Eagles have a massive matchup with Travis Kelce in Super Bowl LIX.
Why not have a franchise legend help them prepare? pic.twitter.com/qCtV2nyjAS
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) January 31, 2025
#Eagles’ preparing for Chiefs TE Travis Kelce with safeties Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson during individual drills. Going to be a matchup in man defense. The pair struggled some vs. Zach Ertz in the NFC championship. pic.twitter.com/SiGVHRKgKz
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 31, 2025
Celek was the longest-tenured active Eagle at the time of his release in March 2018.
After being drafted in the fifth round out of Cincinnati in 2007, Celek caught 398 passes for 4,998 yards and 31 touchdowns — ranking second in franchise history in each category.
Celek, who missed just one regular-season game in his 11-year career with Philadelphia, ranks fourth in team history with 175 games played behind David Akers (188), Brian Dawkins (183), and Harold Carmichael (180).