The Eagles made the tough decision to part ways with longtime tight end Brent Celek on Tuesday afternoon to help get the team under the salary cap.
The financially-motivated move was obviously a tough one for the organization. Celek was the longest-tenured athlete in the city having spent 11 seasons with the Birds and a model of toughness and what the Eagles organization wants in a player.
It's only fitting he went out with a parade.
The Eagles shared a heartfelt message about Celek's departure, noting that "Brent Celek defines what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle."
Many of the players who battled alongside Celek in 2017 to win Super Bowl LII shared glowing thoughts about their now former teammate.
Chris Long called Celek a "Philly legend." Lane Johnson called him a friend, leader, champion, and "one of the best to ever do it." Beau Allen called Celek an "absolute grinder and true brother."
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You can see some of these messages in full below. And remember: we'll always have Broad Street.
pic.twitter.com/i8MqboCNmV— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2018
Thank you for everything you've done for me - leader, teammate, friend, & champion! One of the best to ever do it @BrentCelek 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kYyPmoHoDK— Lane Johnson (@Lanejohnson65) March 13, 2018
I've had very few better teammates than @BrentCelek . I knew it from the outside but this year confirmed it for me: Celek is a philly legend! 11 year run, so loved. So much respect for you as a player and teammate. Brother 4 life!!— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 13, 2018
Can't say enough about @BrentCelek as a teammate and friend. Unbelievably humble and hardworking guy - an absolute grinder and a true brother. Happy we got that ring together Celsie!! pic.twitter.com/m1i7SJkW3y— Beau Allen (@Beau_Allen) March 13, 2018
Thank you, @BrentCelek! pic.twitter.com/W5V04t9fGj— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) March 13, 2018