Travis Kelce is a prominent tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his on-field prowess and off-field activities.
He has been with the Chiefs for 11 seasons, showcasing exceptional talent.
Kelce’s achievements include being named the Chiefs’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and signing a contract extension with the team.
Beyond football, he starred in a reality dating show and has a high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.
Notably, Kelce’s political beliefs, more progressive than many in his field, have drawn attention, especially his support for social justice causes like Black Lives Matter.
His success on and off the field has solidified his status as a standout figure in both sports and popular culture.
Net worth | $50 million |
Profession | American football player |
Date of birth | October 5, 1989 |
Nationality | American |
Background and upbringing
Kelce, born on October 5, 1989, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He chose the University of Cincinnati for college football due to his brother’s influence and support.
Kelce faced challenges during his college career but was encouraged by his brother to pursue football, leading to his successful NFL career.
College career
Kelce played college football at the University of Cincinnati, where he spent five seasons but only one as a starter.
His standout redshirt senior season in 2012, where he finished with 45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns, helped boost his draft stock for the NFL.
Kelce transitioned from playing as a quarterback to the tight end position during his college career, utilizing his size and athleticism to become a reliable receiving target.
Despite facing challenges, including a suspension in 2010, he returned to the team as a tight end and excelled in his final year, earning First-Team All-Conference honors and the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year.
This successful college career paved the way for his entry into the NFL, where he has become one of the league’s most dominant and prolific tight ends.
NFL entry
Kelce’s entry into the NFL began when he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft as the 63rd overall pick.
His college career at the University of Cincinnati, where he transitioned from playing as a quarterback to a tight end, showcased his talent and versatility, culminating in a standout senior season with 45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns.
Despite facing challenges, including a suspension in 2010, Kelce returned to the team as a tight end and excelled, earning First-Team All-Conference honors and the College Football Performance Awards Tight End of the Year.
This successful college career paved the way for his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he has become one of the league’s most dominant and prolific tight ends, earning numerous accolades and establishing himself as a key player in the NFL.
Net worth
Kelce’s net worth as of 2024 is estimated to be around $50 million.
His earnings stem from his successful football career with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he reportedly earns $14.3 million annually.
Kelce has also ventured into brand deals with companies like Nike, Old Spice, T-Mobile, Dick’s Sporting Goods, McDonalds and Papa Johns, further boosting his income.
Additionally, he has made significant investments in real estate, owning properties like a 17,000 square-foot house in Kansas and a seven-bedroom property in Kansas City’s Briarcliff West neighborhood.
Despite his substantial net worth, Kelce has been candid about feeling underpaid compared to other NFL stars but values winning and his loyalty to the Chiefs over pursuing higher pay elsewhere.
Nike deal
Kelce has a significant partnership with Nike, contributing to his overall net worth.
His popularity has had a notable impact on Nike’s sales, with his jersey sales surging nearly 400% across the Fanatics network.
Kelce’s association with Nike extends beyond jerseys, as he is known to wear Nike products head-to-toe, showcasing his alignment with the brand.
His endorsement deals include major brands like Nike, Pfizer, Amazon, Bud Light, State Farm, Experian and DirecTV.
Notably, Kelce’s love for Nike products was evident early in his career when he spent around $10,000 on limited-edition Nike Air MAG ‘Marty McFlys’ sneakers, which have since become valuable collector’s items.
His partnership with Nike and other brands has not only elevated his personal brand but also contributed significantly to his financial success and overall net worth.
McDonald’s deal
Kelce has a promotional deal with McDonald’s, as part of which he celebrated the 2 for $5 Mix & Match deal with a dance called the Kelce Crush.
This partnership showcases Kelce’s involvement in advertising campaigns for the fast-food chain, aligning his image with popular promotions and products.
Additionally, a recent McDonald’s commercial revealed the typical orders of famous personalities like Patrick Mahomes, further highlighting their association with the brand.
Kelce’s collaboration with McDonald’s is part of his broader portfolio of endorsements, contributing to his overall net worth and solidifying his presence in the advertising industry.
Old Spice deal
Kelce, along with other sports stars like Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich, featured in an Old Spice commercial promoting hair care products.
Additionally, Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce collaborated with Old Spice to endorse a beard care line, including products like beard wash, conditioner, balm and oil.
The Kelce brothers not only endorsed the products but also contributed to a book of poetry focused on beards called The Old Spice Guys’ Grooming Guidance Guide for Guys with Beards & Other Poems.
This partnership marked Old Spice’s entry into the facial hair grooming world, with the Kelce brothers playing a significant role in promoting and shaping the brand’s beard care products.
Dick’s Sporting Goods deal
Kelce has a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he typically earns around $5 million annually.
This collaboration extends to the sale of Kelce jerseys and gear at Dick’s Sporting Goods, offering fans a variety of options to support the Kansas City Chiefs player.
Moreover, Kelce’s popularity has significantly impacted sales, with his jersey experiencing a surge of nearly 400% across various platforms like NFLShop.com, particularly when associated with events like Taylor Swift attending a Chiefs game alongside Kelce’s mother.
This surge in sales reflects the strong consumer demand for Kelce merchandise and its positive effect on brands like Nike, showcasing his influence in the sports apparel market.
Papa Johns deal
Kelce’s mother, Donna Kelce, known as Mama Kelce, had collaborated with Papa John’s to create a special bundle deal ideal for Super Bowl parties.
The bundle includes a combination of a Philly Cheesesteak pizza and BBQ Chicken pizza, along with four 20 oz. drinks.
This partnership has introduced the Kelce Pizza at Papa John’s, featuring pepperoni and banana peppers as toppings, a favorite of Jason and Kelce.
Despite initial skepticism from some fans about the Kelces’ actual consumption of Papa John’s, the collaboration has been well-received, with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal showing approval for the new menu item.
The Mama Kelce Bundle, priced at $39.99, offers fans a limited-time opportunity to enjoy football-themed meal deals from Papa John’s.
This partnership between Mama Kelce and Papa John’s has added a unique touch to the pizza chain’s offerings and has garnered attention for its creative and football-inspired menu items.
The Mama Kelce Bundle deal at Papa John’s was valid from November 16 through November 20, 2023.
Pfizer deal
Kelce’s endorsement deal with Pfizer, promoting COVID-19 vaccination and the annual flu shot, came about as part of a significant partnership that reportedly earned him $20 million.
Pfizer enlisted Kelce as their spokesperson, leveraging his popularity and influence to advocate for vaccination.
Despite some backlash from individuals like actor Rob Schneider and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Kelce’s involvement in the Pfizer campaign has been a notable aspect of his off-field endeavors, contributing significantly to his overall net worth and brand collaborations.
This deal with Pfizer highlights Kelce’s presence not only in the sports world but also in the realm of public health advocacy and advertising.
Caza Azul tequila
Kelce has made a notable investment in Casa Azul Tequila Soda, a ready-to-drink (RTD) canned beverage brand founded by Lance Collins.
This partnership involves Kelce taking an equity stake in Casa Azul Tequila Soda and becoming an ambassador for the brand.
Casa Azul Tequila Soda stands out from other RTDs in the US market by using a spirit base rather than flavored malt liquor, with each can containing real Tequila from Jalisco, Mexico.
The brand offers a variety of flavors like Lime Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Peach Mango and Watermelon, with low carbs and 100 calories per can.
Kelce’s involvement is expected to introduce the brand to a new audience of sports fans seeking the combination of real spirits and flavor found in canned cocktails with the low calories and low carbs typical of hard seltzers.
Casa Azul Tequila Soda is available online and at retailers in several US states, including California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Arizona and Louisiana.
Real estate
Kelce owns multiple properties, including a $6 million mansion in a gated community in Leawood, Kansas, spanning 17,000 square feet with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool area, outdoor kitchen, tennis/pickleball court, waterfall, hot tub and miniature golf course.
He also previously owned a 4,200-square-foot home in Kansas City’s Briarcliff West neighborhood and a condo in Orlando, Florida.
Additionally, Kelce has been known to stay in a luxury high-rise apartment in Kansas City’s One Light Luxury building.
His real estate investments align with his reported fortune amassed from his NFL career and endorsements.
Travis Kelce girlfriend
Kelce’s current girlfriend is Taylor Swift, with their relationship reportedly starting in 2023.
Kelce and Swift have been seen together at various events, including Chiefs games and concerts, showcasing their public relationship.
Reports suggest that Kelce is actively considering ideas for a unique engagement ring for a potential future proposal to Swift, incorporating diamonds from his two Super Bowl rings into the design.
Their high-profile romance has attracted significant attention, with Swift even expressing her newfound appreciation for football and her support for Kelce at his games.
The couple’s relationship has become a subject of interest for fans and the media, highlighting the intersection of sports and entertainment through their partnership.
How much is Taylor Swift worth?
Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be $1.1 billion as of 2024, making her one of the wealthiest musicians in the world.
Her fortune primarily stems from her music career, including album sales, songwriting royalties, streaming deals, and highly successful tours like the Eras Tour, which is projected to generate billions in revenue.
Additionally, Taylor has made strategic investments in real estate, owning properties across the United States that contribute significantly to her overall net worth.
Her financial success is also attributed to her business acumen, brand partnerships and loyal fan base that continues to support her music and ventures.
Family
Kelce comes from a close-knit family that includes his parents, Ed and Donna Kelce, and his brother, Jason Kelce, who is also an NFL player.
Ed and Donna Kelce have been instrumental in supporting their sons’ athletic careers.
Ed worked in the steel industry before retiring and has been actively involved in his sons’ lives, instilling the value of hard work.
Donna, a dedicated football mom, has been a constant presence at Travis’s games, showing unwavering support for her children.
Jason, Travis’s older brother, plays as a football center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The brothers made history by facing each other in the Super Bowl, a moment that highlighted their family’s deep connection and shared love for football.
Jason is married to Kylie McDevitt, and they have three daughters together.
Despite their parents’ divorce after nearly 25 years of marriage, Ed and Donna maintain a strong friendship and continue to support their sons together.
The family’s bond remains strong, with Donna reflecting fondly on their tag-team approach to parenting and the fun experiences they shared raising Travis and Jason.
Travis Kelce’s family plays a significant role in his life, providing unwavering support and love as he navigates his successful football career and high-profile relationships.
Travis Kelce achievements in the NFL
Kelce boasts an impressive NFL career with numerous achievements.
He is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has been named First-Team All-Pro three times (2016, 2018, 2020) and Second Team All-Pro three times (2017, 2019, 2021).
He holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving by a tight end (six) and the record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a season (1,416 yards in 2020).
Kelce was also part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in 2019 and has been a key player in their success.
His exceptional performance on the field, combined with his charisma and versatility, has solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the NFL and a significant asset to the Kansas City Chiefs.