Brent Celek, who has just retired, gives his opinion on the 2018 Eagles

Thursday night will be a bit odd for Brent Celek.

The newly retired tight finals will see the Eagles face the Falcons in the first game of the 2018 season. But Celek, who officially retired last Friday (see the article)will be watching as a fan.

"I'm happy with the decision," said Brent Celek to Marc Farzetta of NBC Sports this afternoon. "I think I've been good with the decision for a little while.To be a fan for the first time and watch these guys play, I'm excited."

Celek, 33, played 11 seasons with the Eagles and decided to retire as a Super Bowl champion instead of joining another team to continue his career.

In 11 seasons, Celek missed just one game. In 2012, Celek missed a match with a concussion over a short week. This is the first time in nearly six years that the Eagles will play a game without Celek.

But he will watch.

So what does Celek think of the 2018 team?

"I think they're going to be a good team," he said. "I think, like any team, they're going to have difficulties here and there, I'm sure everyone will think the sky is falling when they have some difficulties, but I think these guys are tough, their strong -willed and they will be good. "

Celek, who has already taken a young Zach Ertz under his wing, is happy to see Ertz pass it on to the talented Dallas Goedert rookie.

Celek admitted that rookie seasons for tight ends can be tough, but thinks Goedert can be productive with as much attention on Ertz.

Carson Wentz does not play in the first week?

"I just did not know," said Celek. "Honestly, the kid is a beast, rushing him into a situation like this, probably not the smartest one.It's probably a good decision not to do it.I know everyone wants him there and I'd like to see him there too. But that's the reason you have Nick Foles, for situations like this. "

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