In the world of professional football, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has managed to carve out a name for himself as one of the game's most versatile players. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Kelce's financial prowess has solidified his status as a prominent figure both in the NFL and the broader landscape of celebrity athletes.
This incredible journey has propelled Travis Kelce to a staggering $30 million net worth ... and a relationship with a certain pop superstar.
Star Quarterback for Cleveland Heights
Travis Kelce hails from Cleveland, Ohio. His journey in football commenced during his high school years at Cleveland Heights High.
Here, he showcased his skills on the football and basketball courts, but it was his exceptional performance on the football field that paved the way for his future. His remarkable talents earned him a coveted scholarship to play college football at the University of Cincinnati.
College and a Position Change
Kelce played football for the University of Cincinnati, where he transitioned from quarterback to tight end for the Cincinnati Bearcats. His last year at the school was particularly impressive, with 45 receptions for 722 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior year alone. This performance led to him receiving All-Big East Conference honors.
Kelce's time at the University of Cincinnati helped him prepare for a successful career in the NFL. His brother, Jason, also attended the college and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.
Drafted to the Chiefs in 2013
AP Photo
Kelce was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs from college in 2013 and became one of the NFL's premier tight ends.
In August 2020, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Chiefs worth $57.25 million, which includes nearly $25 million in guaranteed money, which goes through 2025.
Brothers Square Off in the Super Bowl
Kelce has established himself as one of the NFL's best ever tight ends. His contributions played a crucial role in the Kansas City Chiefs winning Super Bowl titles in 2020, 2023 and 2024, solidifying his status as a key player in the league. (In 2023, he played against his brother, a first in NFL history. He said of playing against his brother: "There's nothing I can say to him other than I love him and he played a hell of a year, a hell of a season.")
In 2022, he had a standout game with four receiving touchdowns, setting an NFL record for the most 100-yard games by a tight end. He's reached 10,000 career receiving yards and extended his record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons among tight ends, and he continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
'New Heights' Podcast With Jason and Travis Kelce
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Despite their rivalry on the field, the brothers are close and have a very successful podcast, "New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce."
The duo delivers weekly lighthearted insights on all things football and, more recently, all things Taylor Swift due to Travis' relationship with the pop singer.
"New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce" skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on Apple's overall rankings, and he amassed over 380,000 new Instagram followers overnight after their relationship became public.
Starring in Reality Show 'Catching Kelce'
E! / YouTube
Kelce was briefly a reality TV star. In 2016, he starred in "Catching Kelce," which aired on the E! network for one season.
In a format reminiscent of "The Bachelor," but with a slightly different twist, 50 women from all 50 states got the chance to date the NFL tight end. Ultimately, the victorious contestant at the end of the season earned the chance to date Kelce.
He still dabbles in entertainment — he hosted Saturday Night Live in March 2023 and made a surprise cameo on SNL in October 2023.
87 & Running Foundation
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. April Wickes / Wikimedia Commons
Travis Kelce gives back to the community in the form of his 87 & Running Foundation. Its goal is to give kids who wouldn't normally have a chance at a good education the opportunity for one.
The foundation provides mentoring and motivation to kids and helps them explore their talents in sports, business, art and STEM.
His Clothing Line
Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons
In 2019, drawing inspiration from 1990s sports attire, Kelce established Tru Kolors clothing, which encompassed a wide range of items, including t-shirts, hoodies and sweatsuits.
The moniker "Tru Kolors" serves as a tribute to Kelce's initials while also celebrating diversity and individuality. "I just want everybody to feel comfortable in who they are and showing their true colors and then appreciating everybody else’s colors along the way," Kelce said.
Taylor Swift and Greater Fame
Julio Cortez / AP Photo
Taylor Swift's presence at Kelce's games in the 2023 season caused an uproar among football enthusiasts and Swift's loyal fan base, leading to a remarkable 400 percent surge in the sales of Kelce's jerseys.
There's been a notable 63 percent increase in Chiefs games from female viewership, which is yet another testament to the tremendous influence of Swifties. Kelce had already shown his support for Swift before they became a couple, attending her Eras Tour concert at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
More Privacy and a New Real Estate Investment
Charlie Riedel / AP Photo
Kelce and Swift's relationship seems to have gone from zero to 60 in no time flat, which has significantly upped the paparazzi element in Kelce's life. However, he appears to have found some refuge in a gated community.
Kelce purchased a $6 million home in the Leawood neighborhood of Kansas City. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom abode has numerous amenities, including a waterfall and mini-golf course. While it's no match for Swift's real estate empire, it's a good start!