LOS ANGELES, United States: The Denver Broncos said Monday the team has released veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, drawing a line under one of the most calamitous deals in NFL history. In a statement, the Broncos confirmed Wilson’s departure just two years after the former Seattle Seahawks star joined the club in a blockbuster trade.

“We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year,” Broncos general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton said in a joint statement. “On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team and community while wishing him the best as he continues his career.

“As we move forward, we are focused on building the strongest team possible for the 2024 season and beyond. We are excited to improve this offseason and will have the flexibility to get better through the draft and free agency.” Wilson’s departure from the Broncos will come with a hefty price tag.

The team is reported to owe the 35-year-old quarterback $85 million over the next two seasons. By releasing him, the Broncos have avoided paying a further $37 million in guaranteed money under the five-year $242 million contract signed in March 2022. “Over these last two years, you have welcomed my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community,” Wilson said in a statement following his release.

“The will will always hold a special place in my heart.” Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler who led the Seahawks to victory in the Super Bowl in the 2013-2014 season, was initially seen by Denver as the answer to the team’s quarterback problems when he joined two years ago.

As well as his lucrative long-term deal, the Broncos handed Seattle a slew of 2022 and 2023 Draft picks as well as three players — tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris and quarterback Drew Lock. But the Broncos never came close to recouping that massive outlay with Wilson at quarterback.

He fared badly in his debut season in Denver, with the team going 5-12, while head coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired after a 51-14 Christmas Day mauling by the Los Angeles Rams. Wilson was sacked 55 times during that first season, managing just 16 touchdowns throughout the campaign.

He fared slightly better in 2023 under Payton, but stories indicating his future was in jeopardy continued throughout the season. He was benched for the final two games of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, a 13-year NFL veteran who won a Super Bowl, made a tearful farewell on Monday, announcing his retirement. The six-time NFL All-Pro offensive lineman, whose two-time Super Bowl champion brother Travis is best known as the boyfriend of singer Taylor Swift, played for the Eagles from 2011 through 2023 after being taken in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

“Stepping on the field was the most alive and free I had ever felt,” Kelce said. “It was a visceral feeling with football unlike any other sport. “The hairs on my arms would stand up. I could hit somebody, run around like a crazed lunatic, and then get told, ‘Good job.’ I love football.” Kelce helped the Eagles capture the 2018 Super Bowl, defeating New England 41-33. “You just keep working at your craft and you have people around you who believe in you and if you have the drive to be the best, you love it,” Kelce said.

“I’ve always loved it.” Kelce, 36, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, who gained worldwide acclaim for dating Swift. Wiping away tears and choked up by emotion several times in announcing he would not return, Jason Kelce said he is uncertain what the future holds, although he is expected to receive offers for television commentary deals.

“It took a lot of hard work and determination getting here,” Kelce said. “I don’t know what’s next but I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that await and I know I carry with me the lessons from my time here and that forever we will all share the bond of being Philadelphians.”

Kelce become a local celebrity and eventually a national figure for his outgoing personality and over-the-top celebrating when watching his brother on the path to two Super Bowl crowns of his own with the Chiefs.

“Jason gave of himself for others, played through injuries and never wavered through all the ups and downs of our seasons and his own personal career,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said. “He could chug beers with fans at a tailgate. He could sing in a Christmas album and raise money for charity or he could talk Xs and Os all day with coaches and teammates. “Then after all that he could do things out on the football field that no other offensive linemen are capable of doing.” — AFP