Guy Fieri Says He's ‘Very Humbled’ After Signing $100 Million Food Network Deal (Exclusive)

"Never thought anything like this was ever coming my way," the celebrity chef tells PEOPLE

Guy Fieri is taking a moment to savor his success.

In November, the celebrity chef, 55, reportedly signed a new three-year, $100 million deal with the Food Network, according to Variety. Now he tells PEOPLE that the accomplishment has him feeling "very humbled." (He previously signed an $80 million deal in 2021.)

"I'm so appreciative. I really feel fortunate," says Fieri, who will host Guy's Flavortown Tailgate during the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Feb. 11. "I started at the Food Network almost 17, 18 years ago. And never thought anything like this was ever coming my way."

Fieri, who shares two sons with his wife Lori, says his career aspirations back then were quite simple.

"I just wanted to be a cook," he continues. "I wanted to own my own restaurant, be a great dad. And that was it. That's all I really wanted I had aspirations of all kinds of things, but to think that this has happened?"

Despite being one of the most popular faces on the Food Network since 2006, with several hit shows including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, he still has a hard time grasping his career trajectory.

Related: Flavor Runs in the Family! See All of Guy Fieri's Sweetest Photos with His Wife and Kids

"I got to be honest — no way, shape or form would any of this ever happen," says Fieri, who is quick to give credit to the people in his life who have supported him on his journey.

"I come from great parents," he continues. "Got a great family, great wife, surrounded by awesome friends, and my teams, the teams in Guy's Grocery Games and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, my Food Network family, my agent, it's all these people — it's a collective."

He also attributes his success to a willingness to be bold and take risks. "Surround yourself with great people, work hard, stay focused, and be willing to take calculated chances," he explains. "I think that all those things will eventually culminate to something maybe bigger than you'd anticipated."

For the self-appointed Mayor of Flavortown, his blockbuster TV deal is just another opportunity to pay it forward. Fieri started the Guy Fieri Foundation in 2011. It offers various programs supporting first responders, military members, veterans and other local heroes.

"We do a ton of great work," he says. "Tonight, we're getting ready to go serve dinner for 40 first responders and their families for the holidays as a thank you. So I really look at the things that I can do with it, the opportunities I can make happen."

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Related: Guy Fieri Jokes You Could ‘Meet Your Life Partner’ at His Super Bowl Tailgate — Like His Son Did! (Exclusive)

Fieri also relishes giving back to his fans. In February, he will host a Guy's Flavortown Tailgate food and music festival on the Las Vegas Strip on Super Bowl Sunday. The event, a partnership with Pepsi, is free to people of all ages.

"We don't have to make money at everything we do, but we do need to take care of one another, and we do need to be supportive of one another," Fieri tells PEOPLE.

"I love going to the Super Bowl, and I know what it does for me, and my feeling, and my energy, and how it makes my family feel," he adds.

Diplo and country singer Dustin Lynch are set to perform at the tailgating event. "So we've got the country music. We've got the mixed music. We've got interactions. We've got activities. We've got great cocktails. We've got a VIP section overlooking the entire event," Fieri says. "There's so much cool stuff happening and it's right off the strip in Vegas, behind the big Ferris wheel."

Restaurants featured on Triple D will serve up food, in addition to several Las Vegas-area restaurants.

"This tailgate really is a dream come true," he tells PEOPLE. "I'm so passionate about football... I look forward to football season. I wish we could just have it all year round. I'd be the happiest person in the world."

As for his Food Network gig, Fieri plans to roll up his sleeves and work harder than ever. "I'll deliver for the next three years," he says. "You can bet that!"

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