NFL
Kelce: The Chiefs are taking advantage of me, but I’m happy in Kansas
Kelce shared that while he feels the Chiefs may not be compensating him somewhat, but he still has a positive outlook on remaining in Kansas City.
According to recent reports, Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, has stated that his primary objective is to win games, despite being aware of the financial benefits of being a professional athlete. Even though his teammate Tyreek Hill, who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins, earns double his salary at $11.25 million for the upcoming season, Kelce emphasizes the importance of the team’s overall success.
“My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am... When I saw Tyreek go and get 30 (million) a year, in the back of my head, I was like, man, that’s two to three times what I’m making right now,” Kelce said. “I’m like, the free market looks like fun until you go somewhere and don’t win. I love winning. I love the situation I’m in.”
The Kansas City Chiefs have won the Lombardi trophy twice in the past three seasons, with their most recent victory being a 38-35 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelsey, the third highest-paid tight end in the league, earns an average of $14 million per year under his current contract. However, George Kittle from the San Francisco 49ers, who makes $15 million annually, and Darren Waller from the New York Giants, who earns $17 million per season, have more lucrative contracts.
Nonetheless, Kelsey has played a significant role in Kansas City’s success, having achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in four of the last seven seasons - a record among tight ends in the NFL. In the previous season, Kelsey led the team in passing catches (110) and receiving yards (1,338). Despite the possibility of earning more money elsewhere, Kelsey remains content as a member of the Chiefs at 33 years old.
He stated, “It makes you think you’re being taken advantage of. I don’t know if I really pressed the gas if I would get what I’m quote-unquote worth. But I know I enjoy coming to that building every single day..”