Travis Kelce is one of the greatest TEs in the NFL right now. Although NFL fans may know the 34-year-old best for his touchdown catches, since last year he’s been a hot topic for entirely different reasons.
The intersection of Kelce’s on-field achievements with his high-profile love interest keeps him in the spotlight. However, this new exposure hasn’t yet catapulted the tight end’s marketing boost to the levels enjoyed by other NFL peers.
Travis Kelce’s clout can’t catch up with other NFL stars
In an interview with Vanity on Wednesday, record-breaking the tight-end said he could earn a lot more money by playing for another team. But he loves his team dearly, so he doesn’t mind being “underpaid.” Kelce, who made $2.4 million, came in fourth among NFL players, behind QBs Jalen Hurts ($2.7 million), Josh Allen ($2.5 million) and Patrick Mahomes ($3.6 million).
The 34-year-old currently makes $14.3 million in base pay on average; he will earn $11.25 million this year, which is the 51st-highest NFL paycheck, as per Sportico. Claiming that his agents and managers frequently inform him of being underpaid, Kelce remarked, “The free market looks like fun until you go somewhere and you don’t win. I love winning. I love the situation I’m in.”
Travis Kelce doesn’t mind being underpaid 💰
“When I saw Tyreek go and get $30 million a year, in the back of my head, I was like, man, that’s two to three times what I’m making right now. I’m like, the free market looks like fun until you go somewhere and you don’t win. I love… pic.twitter.com/7mln3ojjAs
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 28, 2023
Arguably, Kelce’s strategy aids in his team’s victory. In addition to winning the Super Bowl in February, Kansas City also qualified for the big game in 2020 and 2021. According to the National Football League Players Association, the team has the least amount of salary cap space available in the NFL.
The star tight-end believes it doesn’t matter how much money he’s making as a Chiefs’ player. While it does hit him in the gut a tad bit, it’s okay as long he’s winning and enjoying the game. However, this perspective remains steady even as Taylor Swift’s influence swirls around him.
Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift boosts media attention
Travis Kelce, Swift’s boyfriend, saw a 177% increase in his licensing income as it reached to $2.4 million. This placed him fourth among NFL players, behind other QBs. The profits come from all group licensing agreements, including those for trading cards, video games, and jerseys that are negotiated for several players through the NFLPA. There was a 400% spike in Kelce’s shirt sales as well, placing him among the NFL’s top 5 players.
Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing analyst at Pinnacle Advertising, told Insider, “It’s estimated Kelce currently makes around $5 million a year in off-the-field earnings, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles that number.”
Despite Kelce’s exceedingly remarkable accomplishments on the field, he’s yet to reach the same heights as his peers. Travis Kelce is undoubtedly one of football’s most celebrated endorsers, but now, with the media frenzy involving Swift, his off-field earnings might scale up. As the Chiefs’ tight-end steers through this new path, he remains dedicated to his team and an evolving legacy.
