Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced he was retiring on Thursday, but only from arm wrestling, as he revealed he will return for the 2020 NFL season.

The 32-year-old, a three-time first-team All-Pro over the previous three seasons, did not address his future following the Eagles' playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks in January, fuelling speculation he could call it a day.

Kelce is under contract through the 2021 season, but the anchor of the Eagles' offensive line posted a retirement announcement on social media on Thursday.

However, that related to his arm wrestling career, with Kelce explaining he would be back in the NFL.

"Until now I haven't [wanted to] address my future because I have been mulling it over for some time this offseason," Kelce wrote on Instagram.

"I wanted to allow my body and mind to fully recover from the rigours of an NFL season, and take time with my family to see what lies ahead.

"After thinking long and hard about this I have come to a decision. I have decided to RETIRE... from arm wrestling."

After revealing his 2-0 "drunken arm wrestling" record included a win over Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux, Kelce addressed his NFL future.

"Despite this retirement, I am fully excited for the 2020 season and will be out there with my team-mates, coaches and hopefully fans this coming season," he added.

"Enough media members and fans have reached out if I am playing next season, and I just wanted to make an announcement so I can stop getting asked.

"Can't wait to be out there this season, can't wait to have sports back, and I can't wait till this lockdown is over."