Travis Kelce could become the most important personality in American sports media should he retire, possibly eclipsing the likes of Tom Brady and Stephen A. Smith. Around how much could he earn if he quits the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL?
Reports suggest the 35-year-old is reconsidering his future as a professional football player after a tough 2024/25 season that ended in a crushing 40-22 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9.
It’s also thought the Chiefs and Andy Reid are reenvisioning his role in the team, moving the offense away from the tight end, who will be expected to mentor the next generation rather than be Patrick Mahomes‘ go-to man.
So if Kelce decides he’s not up for that, could he follow his older brother Jason into punditry? And how much could be earn? Is he the most important media free agent in sports history due to his connection to Taylor Swift and her fans?
According to Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina, he is. And whilst he won’t be picking up the same $375 million deal Tom Brady landed with Fox, he will certainly be on for some good cash as the likes of Fox themselves, CBS Amazon, ESPN, NBC and NFL Network all vie for his services.
Is Kelce retiring?
Based on Jason’s salary, Travis could make around $24m but due to his relationship with Swift and thus the marketing with the Swifties, he will likely eclipse that. Additionally, he’s a greater player than his older brother too.
The future Hall of Famer is a three-time champion and holds various records such as the Chiefs’ record for touchdowns and the most receptions in a Super Bowl, putting him right up there with the likes of Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski.
Additionally, he makes $34.25 million with the Chiefs. As the highest paid tight end in the league, it’s likely one of the broadcasters will need to out-bid Clark Hunt’s millions to snatch the player away from one last dance in the NFL. So what does Travis make of it?
“I’m gonna take some time to figure it out,” said Kelce on his New Heights podcast of his future. “And I think I owe it to my teammates that if I do come back that it’s gonna be a wholehearted decision and I’m not half-a**ing it, and I’m fully here for them.
“I think I can play, it’s just whether or not I’m motivated or it’s the best decision for me as a man, as a human, as a person to take on all that responsibility.”
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