In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith has reportedly turned down a $10 million offer from Elon Musk to join the exclusive “Team Tesla” initiative. The bold move has stunned media outlets, shocked fans across the NFL, and sparked a surprising public reaction from Musk himself.

What Was the Offer?

According to multiple sources close to the matter, Elon Musk personally reached out to Trey Smith with a high-profile proposal:

• A $10 million signing bonus

• Equity stake in Tesla’s new performance-tech division

• Endorsement deals tied to Tesla’s AI wearables and energy tech

• Appearances in campaigns promoting Tesla’s innovation in sports and sustainability

The deal was designed to make Smith the face of a new wave of athlete-tech partnerships, bridging elite football performance with futuristic Tesla technologies.

Trey Smith: “I Know My Worth—and It’s Not Just Measured in Dollars”

At a media appearance following the Chiefs’ offseason camp, Trey Smith spoke candidly about his decision to decline the offer:

“I respect what Elon is building, but I didn’t come this far just to sell my face to a brand. My journey is bigger than money. I want to build legacy, not just profit.”

Smith emphasized that while the offer was “incredible on paper,” it didn’t align with his long-term vision, which includes community work, leadership, and mentoring future athletes.

Elon Musk Responds: “Respect Where It’s Due”

Shortly after news of the rejection broke, Elon Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a brief but respectful statement:

“Trey Smith plays for more than stats or status. Much respect.”

The comment instantly went viral, generating tens of thousands of retweets and sparking debate about authenticity in athlete endorsements.

What Is “Team Tesla”?

“Team Tesla” is a new athlete partnership initiative that blends Tesla’s cutting-edge technology with professional sports. Its rumored focus includes:

• AI-based athletic training systems

• Sustainable energy integrations in sports facilities

• Custom-designed electric performance gear

• Global brand campaigns with sports influencers

With athletes like Trey Smith opting out, it raises questions about whether Team Tesla will resonate with players focused more on purpose than profit.

Why This Decision Matters

Trey Smith’s rejection of a massive endorsement deal highlights a growing trend: athletes who value mission over money. In a time when multi-million-dollar brand deals are the norm, Smith’s decision stands out as an act of personal principle.

Key Takeaways:

• Trey Smith turns down $10M Tesla offer

• Elon Musk reacts with public respect

• Sparks conversation about athlete influence, branding, and values

What’s Next for Trey Smith?

While he’s stepped away from Team Tesla, Trey Smith’s star continues to rise. Sources close to the Chiefs lineman suggest he’s working on launching a non-profit focused on youth leadership, health, and financial literacy.

Smith’s value-driven approach may even attract brands with stronger alignment to his mission—putting him in a position to lead both on and off the field.

Final Thoughts

In rejecting Elon Musk’s $10 million offer, Trey Smith has made a powerful statement: Not everything—and not everyone—is for sale. As the NFL gears up for another electrifying season, one thing is clear—Trey Smith’s influence goes well beyond the gridiron.