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When the Jacksonville Jagaurs signed free agent wide receiver Christian Kirk to a four-year, $72 million contract last off-season, everyone thought the team was nuts and they overpaid for an average wide receiver.
Kirk hit the market as a free agent last season and never recorded a season with over 1,000 yards or six touchdowns in a single season. Many thought it was a desperate signing by a team that usually has to overpay free agents to sign with them.
After the best season of his career in 2022-2023, Kirk is demanding respect for his name after proving the nay-sayers wrong.
Appearing on Kay Adams' "Up and Adams" show, Kirk said that he wants more respect.
Kirk said:
"Well it's funny because, I still don't feel I get the respect that I deserve and it's kind of been that way you know with all the noise and after I signed my deal last off-season, it was the loudest and now, you know, especially with the season that I had, it started getting real quiet and everyone kind of, you know, hushed a little bit.
"I want my respect, I feel like I'm one of the best receivers in the NFL and that's the way that I play, that's the chip that I carry on my shoulder and I'm gonna keep earning it."
Upon being asked by Kay Adamshow on he would get his respect from, Kirk responded by saying:
"Honestly, it starts with us as a team. Coming back out next year and being the team that we know we can be and taking that next step. Going from the divisional to playing in the AFC championship to making the Super Bowl. I know that's the only thing we have in our minds. Obviously it hurts, we got that taste in our mouth of being that close being one game away and we want to get back there."
Christian Kirk proved he was worth what the Jaguars paid him
While nearly everyone thought that Kirk fleeced the Jagaurs with the lucrative contract they gave him, he proved that he was worth every penny.
The fifth-year wideout set career-highs in every major receiving category. He recorded 84 receptions for 1,108 yards, and eight touchdowns - all new milestones for the franchise receiver.
Christian Kirk and quarterback Trevor Lawrence will enter their second season together next year on the Jags with one another and are primed for an even bigger 2023-2024 season.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Christian Kirk, Up & Adams, and H/T Sportskeeda
