What is Travis Kelce’s Net Worth?
Travis Kelce, a prominent figure in American professional football, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $90 million. This financial success is primarily attributed to his career as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL), endorsements, and other ventures.
Travis Kelce’s NFL Salary and Career Earnings
During his first decade in the NFL, Travis Kelce earned close to $80 million in salary. His initial contract in 2013 was a four-year deal with the Chiefs valued at $3.12 million. In 2016, he signed a five-year extension for $46 million, which included $22 million in guaranteed money. This extension translated to an average annual salary of approximately $14 million.
In late April 2024, Kelce secured a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs worth $34.25 million. This new agreement raised his average annual salary to $17.125 million and is expected to push his total NFL career earnings beyond $100 million upon completion. The consistent performance and leadership Kelce brings to the Chiefs are reflected in these lucrative contracts.
Endorsements and Media Ventures Contributing to Kelce’s Net Worth
Beyond his NFL earnings, Travis Kelce supplements his income with around $5 million annually from endorsements. He has partnered with a diverse range of companies, including McDonald’s, Nike, Papa John’s, Bud Light, State Farm, Sleep Number, Tide, Dick’s Sporting Goods, T-Mobile, Experian, Old Spice, Pfizer, Walgreens and DirecTV. These endorsements capitalize on his public image and success on the field.
In 2022, the Kelce brothers, Travis and Jason, launched a weekly podcast called “New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.” By August 2024, they had secured a three-year, $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery podcast service to bring their show to the platform. This agreement granted Wondery the rights to distribute and sell advertisements for their podcast, further enhancing their financial portfolio.
In February 2023, Kelce made an equity investment in Casa Azul Tequila, a company founded by the same team that created Core water and Fuze tea. This investment diversifies his portfolio beyond sports and entertainment.
In September 2023 Travis debuted as a spokesman for Pfizer to promote its COVID vaccine educational campaign. Some tweets soon went viral that claimed Travis got paid $20 million for the Pfizer partnership. There is no evidence that this is true. Based on comparable partnerships, it’s much more likely that the deal value is closer to $1-2 million.
Early Life and Career Foundations of Travis Kelce
Born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio, to Donna and Ed Kelce, Travis Kelce’s journey to NFL stardom began in his formative years. He attended Cleveland Heights High School, where he participated in football, baseball, and basketball. As a quarterback in football, he earned All-Lake Erie League honors during his senior year after amassing 2,539 yards of total offense. This early recognition laid the groundwork for his future athletic achievements.
For his college education, Kelce chose to attend the University of Cincinnati, where he joined his brother, Jason, on the Bearcats football team. After redshirting his first year in 2008, he recorded eight rushes for 47 yards and two touchdowns in 2009. In 2010, Kelce was suspended for the season due to a failed drug test. He returned in 2011 to set several personal records, including 45 receptions and 722 receiving yards. His college performance set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs Career and Super Bowl Wins
In the 2013 NFL Draft, Travis Kelce was selected in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs. His initial season was cut short due to knee surgery, placing him on injured reserve in mid-October. However, he rebounded in 2014, scoring his first NFL touchdown and achieving his first NFL game with over 100 receiving yards. By the end of the season, he became the Chiefs’ leading receiver, with a total of 862 yards.
Kicking off the 2015 season, Kelce had his first NFL multiple-touchdown game in a victory over the Houston Texans. The Chiefs finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, though they were eventually defeated by the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round. In 2016, Kelce continued his strong performance, achieving career highs in yards (1,125) and receptions (85). The Chiefs topped the AFC West with a 12-4 record but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional Round.
In 2017, Kelce recorded a career high of eight receiving touchdowns and ranked second among tight ends with 1,038 receiving yards. Despite making it to the Wild Card Round, the Chiefs were defeated by the Tennessee Titans, with Kelce leaving the game early due to a concussion. He returned in 2018, leading the Chiefs to another first-place finish in the AFC West. The team reached the AFC Championship but lost to the Patriots.
The 2019 season was particularly notable for Kelce and the Chiefs. During a late-season game against the Chicago Bears, Kelce became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 500 career receptions. He also became the first tight end in NFL history to have four consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. The Chiefs advanced through the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship to reach Super Bowl LIV, where they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-20.
The Chiefs reached the Super Bowl again the following year, but were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9. In 2021, Kelce set or extended numerous records, including the most 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end, with six. In the final game of the regular season, he became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 9,000 career yards. The Chiefs won the Wild Card Round and the Divisional Round before losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship.
In 2022, Kelce again played a crucial role in leading his team to the postseason and Super Bowl LVII, where they faced the Philadelphia Eagles. This Super Bowl marked the first time two brothers competed on opposing teams, as Jason Kelce played for the Eagles. The Chiefs emerged victorious with a 38-35 win, further solidifying Kelce’s legacy. These achievements contribute significantly to his overall net worth.
Real Estate Investments and Personal Life
In 2019, Travis Kelce purchased a 10,000 square foot mansion in Kansas City, Missouri, for $995,000. Later, in October 2023, he reportedly acquired a 16,000 square foot mansion in a gated community in Kansas City for a little under $6 million. These real estate investments form a part of his asset portfolio.
Kelce established a foundation called Eighty-Seven & Running in 2015, which provides mentoring, training, and opportunities to underserved youth. This philanthropic endeavor highlights his commitment to giving back to the community.
In terms of personal life, Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift, which began in September 2023, has garnered significant media attention, further raising his public profile.
“Catching Kelce” and Media Appearances
Beyond his athletic achievements, Travis Kelce has made several media appearances. In 2016, he starred in the E! reality television dating show “Catching Kelce,” where he chose Maya Benberry as the winner, although they later broke up. Following his Super Bowl LVII victory in 2023, Kelce hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live,” featuring his brother Jason. These appearances have increased his visibility and marketability.