Andy Reid praises Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: ‘He still comes to work every day wanting to get better’
The contract extension between Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs was made official today, ensuring the star tight end will be under contract for six more seasons.
It’s been quite the journey for the third-round draft pick in 2013. Kelce went from a rambunctious rookie to a veteran leader on the team. He went from getting ejected for throwing his towel at an official to being humble and level-headed on the field. He went from being considered just another guy, to putting together four-consecutive 1000-yard receiving seasons, something no tight end has ever before accomplished.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is elated to see Kelce stay in Kansas City. He described Kelce’s growth as a player and leader as he enters his eighth season in the NFL during Friday’s media availability.
“Well, just the fact that he’s been voted captain — playoff captain — the last couple of years. Three years I think. That says everything,” Reid explained. “He has grown. We’ve watched him — everybody has here — grow before their eyes. Fans included.”
Reid praised the thing still makes Kelce such a special football player to this day. It’s a characteristic that he shares with his brother, Jason Kelce, who Reid also coached in Philadelphia.
“He still comes to work every day wanting to get better and so you love that part of it,” Reid continued. “He brings energy every day. I’ve been lucky enough to coach him and his brother and they’re both that way. They’re just wired where they want to be the best, but yet enjoy playing the game like no other, like you’re playing in the backyard type of thing.”
Kelce’s continued commitment to his craft is a point emphasis for Reid, but also the energy that he brings. Be it during practice or on the field, he plays the game with a sense of joy and passion that is akin to playing football in the backyard. It’s part of what makes Kelce, but also this team so special. They have the ability to have fun with what they’re doing but also push themselves to get better. It’s a combination that has Kelce at the top of the food chain in Kansas City, earning the utmost respect from his peers, the front office and the coaching staff.
