Favorite Philadelphia sports players play with passion and guts.

They speak lovingly about the region and those who live there.

They care a lot. That means they play when they’re hurt and they must hurt others, when necessary, writes Michael Bradley for Main Line Today.

They absorb boos and jeers … and they must shoulder the hopes and expectation of a city that hasn’t had much team success over the years.

That sums it up for Haverford resident and ESPN hire Jason Kelce, the Eagles center who retired last March.

It’s nearly guaranteed that Kelce will be entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  He’s had six All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowls.

It’s rare that a player’s personality matches that kind of talent. Julius Erving was like that. So .was Bernie Parent. If Bryce Harper continues as a stand-out player for the Phillies, he’ll make that list, too.

Kelce has balanced being a great husband and father with endearing silly behavior that’s earned him support from fans.

A family man at heart, Kelce’s now made us a part of his family.