Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce enters his 10th season in the NFL in 2022.
At 32 years old, Kelce is the third-oldest and longest-tenured player in Kansas City. He’s still out and working hard during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) despite the workouts being entirely voluntary.
“I love it, man,” Kelce told reporters on Thursday “I’ve always had a love for competition, getting better, the work ethic that I’ve got. . . On top of that, we’ve got some new guys in this building. I’m trying to win some ball games here. You’re going to see me in this building just trying to help out any way I can.”
Kelce has crafted a legacy as one of the most consistent and hardest working tight ends in the game. He’s leading by example by being present and participating in OTAs, helping instill good habits in the future generation of Chiefs players. He’s not ready to give up his reputation and he’s certainly not going to give it up for more money.
Asked about recent comments made by a friend and fellow NFL tight end George Kittle about Kelce’s pay not being commensurate to his receiver-like production, Kelce explained he has bigger fish to fry.
“I appreciate (George) Kittle saying that,” Kelce said. “That’s my guy and he always wants to see every tight end get paid as much as their production is. But at the same time, I signed my contract understanding what I had. I put a lot into this, man. Money, in my mind, is almost secondary at this point in my career. I’m here for the legacy and I’m here to try and make the Kansas City Chiefs the best team possible. That’s my main focus, that’s why I am here.”
Money is the last thing on Kelce’s mind at this point in his career. He’s on his third NFL contract and has seen the big payday already. He also knows that what he has in Kansas City is special and he’s not looking to ruin that by chasing a few extra dollars.
Kelce explained that he’s focused on two things right now, cementing his legacy as one of the best to ever play the game and helping this team win football games. He’s certainly on the right path to accomplish both of those things this upcoming season.
