Joe O’Pella, a 2003 graduate of La Salle College High School, has made national headlines for his relationship with the recently retired Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce.

O’Pella was Kelce’s athletic trainer for each of his 13 seasons in the NFL, and he shared a tribute to his friend via Instagram. He wrote about their relationship and highlighted Kelce’s generosity was when O’Pella was diagnosed with cancer this past season.

“That’s who he is as a person,” O’Pella wrote. “I taped this guy’s ankles and thumbs every day for 13 seasons, and when he played his last game in Tampa, again I couldn’t be there due to cancer. And when he told me he would be retiring and I expressed my regret of not being the last person to ever tape him, he offered to have me tape him for his retirement press conference.

“That’s who he is. And I hope these stories can add to an already unbelievable legacy.”

Sports Illustrated wrote about O’Pella’s tribute and relationship with Kelce in an article titled “The Heartwarming Story Behind Jason Kelce Taping Up Ankles for Retirement Announcement“.

Among other outlets, 6ABC published an article written by ESPN correspondent Tim McManus, a 1996 graduate of La Salle College High School.

6ABC’s coverage is below:

Kelce, a six-time first-team All-Pro and likely Hall of Famer, gave a tear-filled retirement speech on Tuesday. You can watch the full speech below:

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Photo: Instagram