Jason Klece plays one of the toughest positions in the National Football League. He is the Center of the offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles. At 6’ 3” and 295lbs. Jason is formidable lineman who helps lead the offensive game of the Eagles. He has played seven years in the NFL, a great career considering the average NFL career only last 3 years. Last year Jason and the Eagles celebrated a Super Bowl victory for their franchise. They were the underdog who defeated the New England Patriots. It was the first Super Bowl victory for the Eagles franchise.
Playing professional football was a dream come true for Jason Klece. Growing up in Ohio Jason competed in football at every level. He was a success on the gridiron. However, he received few offers to play colligate football. He decided to walk on at the University of Cincinnati. It did not take long for the coaches to realize his potential. Jason soon became a starter and played in 38 games as a Cincinnati Bearcat.
Jason had a successful college career. He had hopes that his dream would become a reality and he would play in the NFL. Unfortunately, just like before college, few in the NFL would consider him an actual prospect. At 6’3” and 295lbs Jason is considered small for an NFL lineman. Nevertheless, Jason perused his dream. In 2011, he was drafted in the 6th round to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The road to realized his dream has been difficult for Jason Klece. In an interview after his Super Bowl victory, he shared some of the wisdom that has helped him preserver all these years. Jason said that his grandfather told him that he should, “Just keep going. Just keep moving forward. No matter what obstacle comes in your way.” Jason’s grandfather gave him a quote from Calvin Coolidge that has guided Jason through all these years. The quote begins, “Nothing in the world can replace persistence.”
The persistence and success of Jason Klece is a wonderful example to each of us. Often in life we experience tremendous obstacles that prevent us from achieving our dreams. However, if we will keep working, if we will continue striving to achieve our dreams, “No matter what obstacle comes in our way,” we also may see our dreams come true. Persistence is what will help us to overcome and achieve our dreams.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
