Trey McBride’s journey from a small town in Colorado to becoming the highest-paid tight end in NFL history is nothing short of cinematic. Growing up in Fort Morgan, Colorado, Trey had the raw talent and athletic prowess, but the grandeur of the NFL seemed more like a distant dream than a potential reality. “It was never on the forefront of my mind,” McBride confessed. “I was never convinced.” Yet, that unassuming young athlete has now securely fastened his name among the league’s elite.
On a bright Thursday, the 25-year-old inked a monumental four-year contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, solidifying his ties with the team until the 2029 season. This deal, celebrated by fans and analysts alike, was not just a reward for McBride’s stellar performance but a testament to his indispensable role in the team. With a staggering $43 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $19 million, McBride has not only set personal records but also redefined financial benchmarks for tight ends across the league.
A Season to Remember
The 2023 season was a defining period for McBride. The Cardinals, having traded their first-round pick for wide receiver Hollywood Brown, had high hopes for their second-round selection, and McBride did not disappoint. When veteran Zach Ertz suffered a season-ending injury, the door for McBride swung wide open. He seized the opportunity with formidable grit, racking up 81 catches—an all-time high for a Cardinals tight end—totaling 825 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His performance laid the groundwork for an even more impressive 2024 season, where he amassed 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Coach Jonathan Gannon praised McBride’s versatility and relentless improvement at the Scouting Combine. “He had a really good year but he hasn’t hit his ceiling,” Gannon remarked. “He’s working on different parts of his game, but he needs to keep doing what he’s doing. He’s not a one-trick pony.”
The Next Wave of NFL Greats
McBride’s ascent is timely, aligning with the emergence of what many are calling the “next wave” of tight ends, which includes dynamic players like Sam LaPorta of Detroit and Jake Ferguson of Dallas. “I still feel no one really knows about me,” said McBride before the season, underscoring his underdog mentality and drive to rise above the radar.
His recent contract extension and the league-leading statistics suggest that McBride is no longer just part of this next wave—he’s at the forefront. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, Trey McBride’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a professional trailblazer remains a compelling narrative of determination, skill, and groundbreaking achievements.
The Cardinals’ faith in McBride is clear, and with his recent performances, it seems the tight end is just getting started. As McBride himself succinctly put it in a recent tweet, “LFG! Going to be special .”
Trey McBride’s story is not just about football; it’s about the realization of unlikely dreams, the breaking of ceilings, and the continuous pursuit of greatness. With his record-setting contract, impressive stats, and the unwavering support of his team, McBride is not just playing the game—he’s changing it.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.