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Travis Kelce is an American football tight end who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion (LIV and LVII), a seven-time Pro Bowl selection (2015-2022), and a four-time First-team All-Pro (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022).
His significant contributions to the Chiefs are tremendous, as he became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 9,000 career receiving yards in just 127 games.
As of 2024, Travis Kelce’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $30 million to $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest and most successful tight ends in the NFL.
01
of 08Early Life
Travis Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio, to parents Ed and Donna Kelce. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his father Ed having played hockey at Boston University and his older brother Jason playing football at the University of Cincinnati and later in the NFL.
From an early age, Kelce displayed a natural inclination towards athletics. He participated in various sports during his childhood, including basketball, baseball, and football. However, it was on the gridiron that he truly excelled.
Kelce attended Cleveland Heights High School, where he played both tight end and defensive end for the football team. Despite his impressive performances, he failed to receive any major Division I scholarship offers initially, largely due to his lack of size and bulk compared to prototypical tight end prospects.
Undaunted by the lack of interest from top college programs, Kelce remained determined to pursue his football dreams. In 2008, he accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Cincinnati, a program that recognized his potential and was willing to give him an opportunity.
At Cincinnati, Kelce redshirted his first year to focus on bulking up and developing his skills. Over the next four years, he steadily improved his game, gradually transforming from a raw prospect into a dominant force on the field.
Kelce’s breakout season came in 2012, his redshirt senior year. He recorded 45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Big East honors. His impressive statistics and on-field dominance caught the attention of NFL scouts, solidifying his prospects as a potential draft pick.
02
of 08Career
Despite his impressive college career, Travis Kelce was not a highly touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs saw his potential and selected him in the third round (63rd overall pick). This decision would prove to be a wise investment, as Kelce went on to become one of the most prolific tight ends in franchise history.
Kelce’s rookie season in 2013 was relatively quiet, as he adjusted to the rigors of professional football and played a backup role behind veteran Anthony Fasano. However, his breakout came in 2014 when he assumed the starting tight end position. That year, he caught 67 passes for 862 yards and five touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
From that point on, Kelce’s ascent in the NFL was nothing short of meteoric. He became a dominant force in the Chiefs’ offense, consistently putting up impressive numbers and establishing himself as one of the premier tight ends in the league. Over the next several seasons, he earned Pro Bowl honors every year from 2015 to 2022, a testament to his sustained excellence.
Kelce’s career reached new heights in 2020 when he played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory over the San Francisco 49ers. He caught six passes for 43 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter, cementing his status as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.
As of the end of the 2022 season, Kelce’s career statistics are truly remarkable:
- 8x Pro Bowl selection (2015-2022)
- 4x First-team All-Pro (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
- 2x Second-team All-Pro (2017, 2021)
- Super Bowl LIV champion (2019 season)
- Over 10,000 receiving yards
- Over 70 receiving touchdowns
03
of 08Net Worth
Travis Kelce’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million to $50 million as of 2024. This range accounts for his earnings from the NFL, endorsements, and other ventures.
Contract and Salary
Travis Kelce’s exceptional performance on the field has been rewarded with lucrative contracts from the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2016, he signed a five-year, $46,842,000 contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL at the time. Also, this contract included a $10,000,000 signing bonus and $20,017,000 guaranteed.
In August 2020, after another stellar season and the Super Bowl victory, Kelce signed a four-year, $57.25 million contract extension with the Chiefs. This deal included $28 million in guaranteed money and an average annual salary of around $14.31 million, making him the second-highest-paid tight end in the league, behind only San Francisco’s George Kittle.
For the 2023 NFL season, Kelce’s salary is reported to be $12.25 million, positioning him among the top earners at his position yet reflecting his significant value to the Chiefs. Also, As of the end of the 2023 season, his total career earnings were around $77,032,220 over his 11 seasons in the NFL.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
In addition to his on-field earnings, Travis Kelce has leveraged his fame and popularity to secure several lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures:
- He has endorsement partnerships with brands like Nike, Bose, Loudmouth Golf, Panini, and Budweiser.
- Kelce has his own signature line of apparel and merchandise through Fanatics.
- He has invested in various businesses, including a stake in the Kansas City-based Power Swing batting cage facility.
- Kelce has made numerous media appearances, including hosting his own reality dating show “Catching Kelce” on E! Network.
04
of 08Philanthropy
87 & Running Foundation
Kelce’s foundation, 87 & Running, serves as the primary vehicle for his philanthropic endeavors. The foundation’s mission is to empower disadvantaged youth by providing resources and support for their development. Kelce’s foundation has been instrumental in giving back to his hometown schools, ensuring that over 2,300 children have access to educational and developmental opportunities.
Other Contributions
One of Kelce’s most notable contributions is his partnership with Operation Breakthrough, an organization that provides a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty. Through his foundation, Kelce has donated over $1 million to Operation Breakthrough, demonstrating his dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of children facing adversity.
Besides this, Kelce has also collaborated with various organizations to amplify his impact. For example, he teamed up with Kodiak to donate 25,000 meals to Kansas City youth, addressing food insecurity and supporting their well-being through nutrition.
05
of 08Personal Life
Family
Travis Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio. His father, Ed Kelce, works as a sales representative in the steel industry, while his mother, Donna, has been a supportive figure throughout his life and career. Kelce has one brother, Jason Kelce, who is also a prominent figure in the NFL, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Kelce brothers have made history as the first siblings to play against each other in the Super Bowl.
Girlfriends
Travis Kelce’s dating life has been a topic of interest for many fans and media outlets. In 2016, he starred in his own reality dating show, “Catching Kelce,” on the E! Network, where he searched for a potential partner. The show provided a glimpse into his charismatic personality and his approach to relationships.
Kelce’s notable relationships include a brief romance with Maya Benberry, the winner of his reality show, and a long-term relationship with fashion influencer and journalist Kayla Nicole. In 2022, he was rumored to have dated Zuri Hall.
Most recently, Kelce has been linked to global superstar Taylor Swift. In a rare acknowledgment of her personal life, Swift opened up about her romance with Kelce in an interview with TIME, who named her its Person of the Year in December 2023. This marked one of the first instances where Swift publicly acknowledged their high-profile relationship.
Embed from Getty ImagesControversies
In 2018, he made headlines for an incident during a parade celebrating the Chiefs’ AFC Championship victory, where he was caught on camera shouting profanities and making obscene gestures, drawing criticism.
06
of 08Assets
Real Estate
One of Kelce’s most significant real estate investments is his recently purchased $6 million mansion in Kansas City. This luxurious property boasts a sprawling 17,000 square feet of living space, complete with a swimming pool, a pickleball court, and a mini-golf course.
Car Collection
Also, Kelce’s passion for luxury and performance extends to his impressive car collection. Among the prized possessions in his collection are Aston Martin Vanquish, Aston Martin Vantage, GMC Terrain SUV, 2015 Hyundai Genesis, Electric Truck and Rolls Royce Ghost. In fact, His total car collection is valued at approximately $648,000.
07
of 08Comparison with other NFL Players
here’s a comparison of Travis Kelce’s net worth with other notable NFL players as of 2023. This comparison provides a perspective on Kelce’s financial standing relative to his peers in the league:
NFL Player | Net Worth | Source |
---|---|---|
Travis Kelce | $50 million | Sporting News |
Roger Staubach | $600 million | CEOWORLD Magazine |
Russell Wilson | $165 million | The Big Lead |
Eli Manning | $170 million | The Big Lead |
Aaron Rodgers | $200 million | The Big Lead |
John Elway | $145 million | Audacy |
Joe Montana | $150 million | Audacy |
08
of 08Best Quotes of Travis Kelce
Throughout his illustrious career, Travis Kelce has shared his thoughts, philosophies, and perspectives through various memorable quotes. Here are some of his best quotes that offer a glimpse into his mindset, work ethic, and approach to life, both on and off the football field.
- On Teamwork and Passion: “When everyone plays and has passion for each other, man, that’s when you really have a chance to be great as a team. Without it, I don’t know how football even works.”
- On Success: “Success is not given, it’s earned.” This quote encapsulates the essence of hard work, perseverance, and determination required to achieve greatness.
- On Relationships: “I feel like whenever I’m on a date, I’m always having the sense of like, I’m a man in the situation, I’m, like, protective, yeah for sure.”
- On Athleticism: “Being able to get a big body to change direction, I think that’s huge. I don’t think a lot of tight ends incorporate that enough.”
- On Embracing Chaos: “I guess I’m just comfortable in the atmosphere and the chaos that goes around us. Just gotta embrace it. The more you fight it, the more pissed off you’re gonna be.”