‘Valley boy forever’: Christian Kirk thanks Cardinals fans on way to Jacksonville
Mar 16, 2022, 8:10 AM
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) pulls in a 15-yard touchdown reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Receiver Christian Kirk thanked Arizona fans and the Cardinals organization for his first four NFL seasons spent in the Valley after he agreed to a four-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars a day prior.
Along with a comment that read “Valley Boy Forever” with a cactus emoji, the Scottsdale Saguaro High School product on Tuesday posted a letter to fans that also mentioned his past teammates, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim.
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“To the Arizona community and fans all over, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for the continued support over my tenure,” part of the letter read. “It will be hard to replicate running out the tunnel every Sunday in front of the Red Sea. As a homegrown kid myself, you guys gave me the confidence and support that makes me proud to say that I am from the great state of Arizona.
“… Finally, to all the young athletes around the Valley, as a kid who grew up in the same community as you did, just know that you can do it too. Being able to represent the state of Arizona is the greatest blessing I could have ever received, and I will be doing it until my playing days are over.”
Valley Boy Forever 🌵 pic.twitter.com/okikRXDQ5K
— Christian Kirk (@ckirk) March 16, 2022
Kirk reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with the Jaguars that could max out at $84 million. It came with a $20 million signing bonus, $37 million fully guaranteed and $39 million over the first two years, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The potential for the salary to reach $21 million annually caught the attention of many because reaching all its incentives would make it a top-three receiver salary NFL-wide.
Kirk left Saguaro High School as the Arizona state record-holder in touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He was the No. 25-ranked player in the 2015 recruiting class and after starring locally in high school spent three years at Texas A&M before he was selected in the second round of the 2018 draft by the Cardinals.
With Arizona, Kirk recorded between 590 and 982 yards in the four seasons of his rookie contract.
Though he never surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and tallied four total games out of 56 with 100 yards, the 25-year-old found success last season playing in the slot en route to recording a career-high in receptions (77) and receiving yards (982).
