Steelers Now
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made a bold statement following Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig’s contract extension.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made outside linebacker Nick Herbig among the higher-paid players at his position this week, signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract extension. However, one of the other top players in the league in Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce couldn’t believe the news when he saw it.
In fact, Kelce did not even know who Herbig was when initially reacting to the news.
“Who is this guy? It doesn’t ring a bell. This is legit? Who is this guy,” Kelce questioned on his podcast New Heights. “Congrats to the big dog on making $100 mil.”
Herbig isn’t necessarily a household name quite yet, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had respectable production.
Since being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Herbig has recorded 79 tackles, 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three passes defensed and one interception all while working in a rotation with fellow outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
So, Travis’ brother, Jason, felt the need to make his brother aware of who exactly Herbig is.
“The main reason I know Nick [Herbig] is because I played with his brother, Nate,” Kelce explained to his brother. “I did a workout with Nick one offseason when he was still in college at Wisconsin. This kid’s like a f***ing goddamn badger. I’ve gotta give him a shout out. He’s started some games when guys have gotten hurt but he just flashes and makes plays. I’m telling you he’s a stud. He’s a disruptor. I love the way he plays.”
Apparently, that was enough to jog Travis’ memory.
“I know exactly who you’re talking about,” Kelce added. “In my mind, he’s exactly that. He’s a Badger. He’s like f*ckin’, just, he’s everywhere. Smart player. Got the motor.”
The Steelers do not play the Chiefs during the 2026 regular season, but if they do end up meeting each other in the playoffs, it’s safe to assume Herbig will remember Kelce’s comments and try to formally introduce himself.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Chiefs Travis Kelce Throws Shade at Nick Herbig After Steelers Extension
