KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It did not quite match his ‘You have to fight for your right to party!’ ‘Proclamation in January after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship Game to advance to their first Super Bowl in 50 years.
But Travis Kelce was less enthusiastic on Friday in his first public remarks since signing his four-year contract with the Chiefs that would pay him about $ 58 million. The extension, combined with the two seasons on his existing deal, would keep Kelce with the Chiefs through the 2025 season if he completes the contract.
“It’s a wonderful thing, and you know what, this community, Kansas City, I love you and I’m thankful I’ll be here for the next six years, ” Kelce said.
Kelce became the first tight end in NFL history last season to have four straight seasons of 1,000 yards. He averaged 97 passes for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns last year, adding 19 more receptions for 207 yards and four touchdowns in the postseason.
Kelce’s 1-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl began the Chiefs’ rally from a 10-point deficit to a 31-20 victory over the 49ers.
Kelce is the last Chiefs veteran to stay at the club, along with Sammy Watkins, Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones. All accepted a restructured contract or signed a new deal.
“I think there are a lot of reasons,” Kelce said. One is because we have great guys in the wardrobe, we have great guys in the facility, great people in the facility and overall it’s a fun atmosphere every time we get to work. And boys do not want to leave that, boys want to build with it. And it’s a wonderful thing when you have self-confidence in you, wanting to make change with you in terms of the season and the community. And then on top of that, just go out and play football with guys who come to work every day and fight their tails for you.
“It front office – [general manager] Brett Veach, coach [Andy] Reid, [chairman] Clark Hunt, [president] Mark Donovan – the guys who really put this organization together and bring everyone together and get everyone on the same page – we got all the confidence in the world that these guys will do it and make it worthwhile when we’re here. I can not thank her enough for the opportunities we have had so far, and you know what? We will try every day to make the best of what is yet to come. ”
The Chiefs drafted Kelce in the third round in 2013, shortly after hiring Reid.
“He still comes to work every day and wants to get better,” Reid said. And so you love that part of him. He brings energy every day. I have had his brother happy [Jason, with the Philadelphia Eagles], and they are both so. They are cabled where they want the best, but still enjoy the game like no other, as you play in the case in the backyard. ”
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