Travis Kelce conveyed a gracious message about fellow tight ends following the signing of his significant contract extension.
The Kansas City Chiefs inked tight end Travis Kelce to a lucrative two-year, $56.25 million extension on Monday, catapulting him to the pinnacle as the highest-paid tight end in terms of average annual salary.
Kelce discussed the extension during the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
Expressing his gratitude to the team for finalizing the deal, Kelce also emphasized its broader significance for the future of tight end contracts. He expressed hope that it would pave the way for other players to secure similarly substantial deals.
“I’m so excited and grateful to this organization for getting it done, showing me appreciation, and compensating me appropriately. Moreover, I feel privileged to be able to contribute to elevating the status of tight ends in terms of compensation,” Kelce remarked. “It’s incumbent upon others to continue pushing the boundaries with each subsequent contract, surpassing mine in the future.”
Kelce went on to express his appreciation for the Chiefs’ proactive approach in securing the deal early in the offseason. While he stressed his commitment to the team and his reluctance to engage in holdouts, citing teammate Chris Jones’s situation from the previous season, Kelce acknowledged the smooth negotiation process.
“I’m not someone who sits out or holds out. I thrive on being part of the team and contributing in any way I can, and the Chiefs understand that about me,” Kelce elaborated. “So, for them to prioritize this deal for me, knowing the dedication I’ve poured into this team, I’m immensely grateful to everyone involved. I truly appreciate the support from the Kansas City community.”
Kelce, now 34, has remained a stalwart in Kansas City throughout his NFL career. In the 2023 season, he hauled in 93 receptions for 984 yards and notched five touchdowns across 15 games. During the playoffs, Kelce continued his stellar performance, amassing 32 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns, culminating in the Chiefs’ consecutive Super Bowl triumph and their third title in five seasons.
