NEED TO KNOW
- Jason Kelce accepted the March of Dimes Sports Achievement Award at the March of Dimes 43rd Annual Sports Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 3
- During his acceptance speech, he opened up about his and his wife Kylie’s experience following pregnancy loss in 2018
- The former NFL star got candid about the experience during his acceptance speech
Jason Kelce is opening up about one of the most painful periods of his life — his wife’s pregnancy loss in 2018.
The retired NFL star, 38, and Kylie Kelce, 33, who are now parents to four daughters, experienced pregnancy loss before the birth of their first child, Wyatt.
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Jason attended the March of Dimes 43rd Annual Sports Luncheon, held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, to accept the March of Dimes Sports Achievement Award, which Kylie introduced.
Reflecting on their experience with pregnancy loss, Jason said it was something “absolutely devastating” that he had to live through.
Kylie previously revealed on the Thursday, Oct. 2 episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast that she had her first positive pregnancy test in August 2018 and, after telling her and Jason’s loved ones the news, found out she had lost the baby on Jason’s birthday, Nov. 5, 2018.
“I remember going out to my truck in the middle of practice and meetings overcome with grief and emotion,” said Jason on Wednesday. “And you really find out in moments like those how awesome sports are, how awesome teams are. There are so many people that shared with me, coaches, teammates, people within the Eagles building, friends of ours, and you really find out how prevalent this actually is, how often miscarriages happen, and it’s something that I think a lot of times often doesn’t get said and spoken about.”
Lisa Lake/Getty
The former Philadelphia Eagles star said it was “hugely impactful” for him and his wife to have support around them during that difficult time, which made them realize they were “not alone in this.”
The retired athlete ended his speech by expressing that he was thankful for everyone who lent their “time, resources, energy, passion,” to the March of Dimes.
The couple has welcomed four daughters since experiencing their pregnancy loss: Wyatt, 6, Elliotte, 4, Bennett, 2, and Finnley “Finn” Anne Kelce, 8 months.
Kylie Kelce/Instagram
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“The work that March of Dimes does is not abstract. It’s not statistic. This is family. This is kids, this is babies, so the support that everyone here is giving to families and parents around the country should not be understated. I greatly appreciate you guys being here. I appreciate this award,” the father of four concluded.
Read the full article here
