Can Taylor Swift Boost Travis Kelce's Endorsement Deals?
Travis Kelce's net worth might come as a surprise to Taylor Swift fans who think the pop star put the football player "on the map." But for longtime followers of the Kansas City Chiefs tight-end, Kelce's big bank account reflects the big deal he is—and has been for quite some time—in sports. (That said, he doesn't make nearly as much as a star quarterback.)
Here’s a look at the athlete's net worth in 2023, how he got his start and more.
Related: Travis Kelce Details 'Amazing' Weekend With New Love Taylor Swift
How did Travis Kelce get his start?
Kelce grew up playing multiple sports, including football, baseball and basketball. When it was time to go to college, he followed his equally athletic brother—Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce—to play football at the University of Cincinnati.
"Being two years behind him, I've naturally always kind of followed his footsteps," he said in an interview with NFL Films.
In 2009, his freshman year, Kelce’s college football career nearly came to an end when he failed a drug test. His scholarship was revoked and he was kicked off the team. But his brother had his back, moving Kelce in with him and speaking to the head coach about allowing him back on the team.
"I've never really asked how he got me back on the team," Kelce told Sports Illustrated. "That was my brother just being a big brother, looking out for me every step of the way and fighting for the success story."
In 2011, Kelce’s brother was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. Two years later, Kelce was taken by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the draft, a team he remains on and has won two Super Bowls with.
Related: Who is Travis Kelce's Sister-in-Law? All About Jason Kelce's Wife, Kylie
What is Travis Kelce's net worth?
Travis Kelce has an estimated 2023 net worth of $30 million. While that does make him a very rich man, he’s not one of the richest football players.
Although no one would deny Kelce is well-paid, his value as a tight end just can’t compete with that of a successful quarterback. Jalen Hurts, for example—QB for the Philadelphia Eagles and highest-paid QB in the NFL, according to Sports Illustrated—is signed to a five-year, $255 million contract with an average annual value of $51 million. Although contracts are almost impossible to compare side by side, this makes Hurts’ deal about four times more lucrative than Kelce’s.
How much does Travis Kelce make a year?
Travis Kelce makes $11.25 million a year in base salary, but can earn millions more depending on bonuses, performance and other factors of his contract.
How much did Travis Kelce sign with the Kansas City Chiefs for?
Kelce was initially signed to a four-year, $3.13 million contract with the Chiefs back in 2013. It goes to show how successful he’s been that in 2022, he inked a four-year, $57.25 million contract with the same team, which includes $22.75 million guaranteed.
How much does Travis Kelce make on endorsements?
It’s no secret that NFL playmakers can generate big bucks through endorsements. And Kelce is no exception. According to a recent article by Insider, he currently makes around $5 million per year in off-the-field earnings.
“I wouldn't be surprised if he doubles that number,” sports marketing analyst Bob Dorfman told Insider. "Kelce was already one of football's most successful endorsers before his hot romance, but now he's sizzling hot—swiftly grabbing the attention and buying power of a whole new fan base and demographic."
Dorfman is, of course, referring to Kelce’s rumored romance with pop superstar Taylor Swift. In just 24 hours after the Sept. 24 Chiefs versus Bears game—which Swift made an appearance at—Kelce’s merchandise sales went up 400%.
Kelce has also experienced a massive spike in social media followers and podcast listeners (he co-hosts a show with his brother called New Heights). While this doesn’t translate directly to cash, it does pave the way to more lucrative advertising deals.
Related: NFL Capitalizes on Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Romance in New Promo
How much does Travis Kelce make on investments?
Other than his endorsement deals, Kelce has made investments in various businesses. These include Cholula (hot sauce), Hydrow (rowing machines), Indochino (men’s fashion), RealTruck (truck accessories) and ThePlayersTV (athlete-owned media network), according to Insider.
He’s also started some of his own businesses, such as his clothing brand, Tru Kolors, and his nutrition brand, Hilo. This is in addition to the New Heights podcast he does with his brother, which brings in millions in revenue every year.
While it’s impossible to know exactly how much money Kelce makes from his portfolio, he’s clearly investment- and business-minded, which no doubt pays dividends—literally and figuratively.
What is Travis Kelce's salary?
Travis Kelce’s salary is $11,250,000 per year, according to the details of the 2022 contract he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
How much does Travis Kelce spend on cars?
To match his mega-salary, Kelce has a bit of a reputation as a spender. Particularly on cars.
Aside from his trusty GMC Terrain, he reportedly owns an Aston Martin Vanquish, Mercedes-AMG G 63, custom Land Rover, Rolls-Royce Phantom and 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS convertible.
Just the base model of an Aston Martin Vanquish sells for nearly $100,000, but nicer models can run near $200,000—so it’s a safe bet that Kelce has sunk hundreds of thousands, if not millions, into his car hobby.
How much does Travis Kelce spend on clothes?
Kelce is regularly seen rocking designer clothes, jewelry and other expensive accessories. The Chiefs’ website even has a photo gallery dedicated to Kelce’s outfits over the years.
One of the brands Kelce likes to wear is Frère, an Italian tailoring house whose off-the-rack suits start at about $5,000. In one photograph, he’s seen wearing a Frère jumpsuit, Louis Vuitton sunglasses that retail around $900 and a Louis Vuitton duffle that may have cost around $2,000.
Whatever Kelce spends on his clothes, it’s not cheap. But then again, he can certainly afford it.
Next, Travis Kelce's Dating History: All the Girlfriends Who Came Before Taylor Swift
