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This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke with ESPN NFL analyst and former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith.
In his interview with Easton Jr., Smith discusses his partnership with global health leader Abbott and Real Madrid's "Abbott Dream Team" campaign. He also shares his thoughts on Travis Kelce's legacy as a player who revolutionized the tight end position.
"Funny, I think back to when I was 18-19, years old, and in college, I'm like eating top ramen and pizzas, and had no idea about this kind of information was out there, and the effect it had on me," said Smith, "Happy to obviously help spread the word to much younger kids, and again, hopefully, it can help them kind of form those great habits going forward."
Kelce agreed to a 3-year, $54.735 million deal to return to the Chiefs. The expectation is that 2026 will be his final season in the league. Smith teamed with Kelce during the beginning of his career, weighing in on his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
"He's arguably the greatest receiving tight end of all time, like enough said. I also think he's a guy who has revolutionized that position," said Smith, "When you think back 25-30 years ago, it wasn't a glamorous position like it is now, and there's been a slow evolution; a lot of guys have contributed to that. Still, Travis is certainly one of those who has really elevated that position and can be a difference-maker. This is a position group involved in everything: pass blocking, run blocking; they get their hands in the dirt, they're split out, and they go against linebackers and safeties."
Entering his 14th season, Kelce is coming off another standout season, earning his eleventh Pro Bowl selection. Smith explained the impact of Kelce's career on the tight end position, noting improvements.
"They (Tight Ends) have to be a jack of all trades kind of and be good at it all, and to me, that's the epitome of that status; this guy's just insanely talented at everything he does. I don't care if it's breaking into dance in the end zone after a touchdown catch. "I just played golf with him at Pebble Beach this offseason at the AT&T Pro Am. This guy can do it all, and I also think he's just who he is," said Smith. "He's so authentic, he can connect with everything. The teammate he is, the guy loves his teammates; it's hard to talk about legacy. I'm excited, he's coming back. This guy can still do it at a high level."
Kelce enters 2026 third all-time behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, and 2,126 yards behind Gonzalez for the most for a tight end in league history, with only 45 behind Witten in second place.
"I was looking at playing for a long time, and you have to learn to adapt as an older player and fight against Father Time," said Smith. "It's amazing to watch him do it again. I can't wait to watch him go and line up and do it again this year."
The Abbott Dream Team seeks out talented young soccer players aged 18-19 from across the United States, offering them a life-changing opportunity to travel to Madrid to showcase their skills, learn from Real Madrid's coaches, meet club legends, attend a Real Madrid match, and more.
Continue reading...
In his interview with Easton Jr., Smith discusses his partnership with global health leader Abbott and Real Madrid's "Abbott Dream Team" campaign. He also shares his thoughts on Travis Kelce's legacy as a player who revolutionized the tight end position.
"Funny, I think back to when I was 18-19, years old, and in college, I'm like eating top ramen and pizzas, and had no idea about this kind of information was out there, and the effect it had on me," said Smith, "Happy to obviously help spread the word to much younger kids, and again, hopefully, it can help them kind of form those great habits going forward."
Kelce agreed to a 3-year, $54.735 million deal to return to the Chiefs. The expectation is that 2026 will be his final season in the league. Smith teamed with Kelce during the beginning of his career, weighing in on his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
"He's arguably the greatest receiving tight end of all time, like enough said. I also think he's a guy who has revolutionized that position," said Smith, "When you think back 25-30 years ago, it wasn't a glamorous position like it is now, and there's been a slow evolution; a lot of guys have contributed to that. Still, Travis is certainly one of those who has really elevated that position and can be a difference-maker. This is a position group involved in everything: pass blocking, run blocking; they get their hands in the dirt, they're split out, and they go against linebackers and safeties."
Entering his 14th season, Kelce is coming off another standout season, earning his eleventh Pro Bowl selection. Smith explained the impact of Kelce's career on the tight end position, noting improvements.
"They (Tight Ends) have to be a jack of all trades kind of and be good at it all, and to me, that's the epitome of that status; this guy's just insanely talented at everything he does. I don't care if it's breaking into dance in the end zone after a touchdown catch. "I just played golf with him at Pebble Beach this offseason at the AT&T Pro Am. This guy can do it all, and I also think he's just who he is," said Smith. "He's so authentic, he can connect with everything. The teammate he is, the guy loves his teammates; it's hard to talk about legacy. I'm excited, he's coming back. This guy can still do it at a high level."
Kelce enters 2026 third all-time behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, and 2,126 yards behind Gonzalez for the most for a tight end in league history, with only 45 behind Witten in second place.
"I was looking at playing for a long time, and you have to learn to adapt as an older player and fight against Father Time," said Smith. "It's amazing to watch him do it again. I can't wait to watch him go and line up and do it again this year."
The Abbott Dream Team seeks out talented young soccer players aged 18-19 from across the United States, offering them a life-changing opportunity to travel to Madrid to showcase their skills, learn from Real Madrid's coaches, meet club legends, attend a Real Madrid match, and more.
Continue reading...
