Travis Kelce didn’t immediately recognize Nick Herbig’s name, but it didn’t take long for the Chiefs star to remember exactly what kind of problem the Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher can be.
During the June 3 episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce was asked about Herbig and initially came up empty.
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“Nick Herbig. Nick Herbig,” Kelce said, thinking. “No, it doesn’t ring a bell.”
Even after Jason Kelce jumped in with a colorful endorsement, calling Herbig a “godd**n f***ing badger,” Travis still wasn’t quite there.
“This is legit? Who’s this guy?” Kelce asked.
That’s probably a perfect analogy for Herbig’s rise. He’s not yet a household name. Around the league, he doesn’t have the same name recognition as T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith. Inside Pittsburgh, though, there’s no confusion about what Herbig has become.
Once Jason explained that Herbig is the Steelers backup edge rusher who’s played when Watt or Highsmith have missed time, Travis immediately connected the dots.
“I know exactly who you’re talking about. ... he’s everywhere,” Kelce said. “And he’s a smart player. Got the f***ing motor.”
That’s the reputation Herbig built in 2025. He wasn’t a full-time starter, but he played like someone the Steelers had to keep in their long-term plans.
Herbig finished the season with 7.5 sacks, 30 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, three passes defensed, and three forced fumbles in 15 games with six starts. One of those forced fumbles was returned 41 yards for a touchdown, a reminder that Herbig’s impact goes beyond spelling Watt and Highsmith.
The Steelers agreed, awarding Herbig with a historic four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million guaranteed. The deal begins after his rookie contract expires next year, making him the first non-starter to land that kind of money.
If Travis is still around in 2027, he'll get to know Herbig a bit better when he's all up in Patrick Mahomes' face. The Steelers travel to Arrowhead next season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Travis Kelce almost whiffs on Steelers' $100M man