EXCLUSIVE: New York Jets stud Kenyon Sadiq grew up watching Travis Kelce, and the rookie tight end spoke to The Mirror U.S. about the Kansas City Chiefs icon's impact
Travis Kelce is considered among the greatest tight ends in NFL history
Travis Kelce is considered among the greatest tight ends in NFL history(Image: Getty Images)
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When Travis Kelce was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2013 NFL Draft, Kenyon Sadiq was 8 years old. On Sunday, the two tight ends will take the same field.
Ever since he arrived in the league, Kelce followed the likes of Tony Gonzalez in revolutionizing the position, operating as a high-volume, wide receiver-style weapon who consistently attacks space across the formation rather than acting primarily as an in-line blocker. The tight end position would never be the same again, and Sadiq is the latest explosive prospect to enter the NFL.
Sadiq, who scored a touchdown on his NFL debut after being selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, has been compared to Kyle Pitts or even George Kittle for his ability to stretch the field. The 21-year-old can sprint away from linebackers and knock safeties off balance, and represents an exciting talent for the Jets.
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Meanwhile, Kelce has relied on elite zone recognition and short-area quickness rather than strict adherence to traditional routes or game-breaking athleticism. Sadiq acknowledges the difference between himself and the seven-time All-Pro is clear, and he respects Kelce’s greatness ahead of their first meeting.
“Of course, I watched him growing up,” Sadiq told The Mirror U.S. “It’s kind of hard to relate him to my game, just because he’s so different. But I look at the savviness he has in the game; I think that’s really unique. And his connection with Patrick is really cool.
“He’s definitely a guy I watch, but it’s hard to take things from him because we’re so different.”
Kenyon Sadiq had a hot start to the season but his role has shrunk as the Jets offense has faltered over the last month
Kenyon Sadiq had a hot start to the season but his role has shrunk as the Jets offense has faltered over the last month(Image: Getty Images)
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Sadiq talked up Kelce’s impact on the game, insisting the 37-year-old elevated the value of the tight end position as an offensive weapon. The rookie said: “He just took it to another level. By making plays all over the field and continuing to do so, he made the tight end the quarterback's best friend.
“He just took that connection to the next level, making plays in the deep ball and the seam, and he has a great run after catch. He’s displayed it for years, and it’s been fun to watch.”
The Jets’ clash with the Chiefs will represent Kelce’s 200th regular season game in the NFL. It will be Sadiq’s eighth career game. Kelce has scored 86 total touchdowns and tallied over 13,412 yards. Sadiq, meanwhile, has scored two touchdowns and posted just 186 yards.
Sadiq undoubtedly has a long way to go. The No. 16 overall pick in the draft, Sadiq has seen his target share fall in recent weeks as the Jets offense has struggled at times, but the Oregon product is ready to build on his performances in practice and on game days to take a new step forward.
“It’s all about keeping the offense rolling,” Sadiq said. “We had a great week last week, but there are still things to improve, like red zone offense and things like that. It’s just about stacking weeks on offense, staying consistent in the pass and run games, and continuing to grow from there.
“For me, I want to be able to just go up and make the play whenever I can. The more opportunities I get, the more I can continue to make plays like that. I’ve always prided myself on being blessed that I’m athletically gifted to make some of the plays I make, so I want to go out there and do it when I can.
“Hopefully I can do that against the Chiefs.”
Sadiq’s 2-6 Jets take on Kelce’s 5-2 Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 9 on Sunday.