Travis Kelce is one of the greatest tight ends in the NFL today. While fans recognize the 34-year-old for his touchdown catches, he’s recently been a hot topic for another reason – his high-profile relationship with pop superstarTaylor Swift. Despite this new exposure, Kelce’s marketing earnings still lag behind some of his NFL peers.

In a Vanity Fair interview, Kelce mentioned that he could potentially earn more by playing for another team but values his current team and situation. “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,” Kelce said. Currently, he makes $2.4 million in licensing income, ranking fourth among NFL players, behind Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes.

Kelce’s average base pay is $14.3 million, and he will earn $11.25 million this year, placing him 51st in the NFL in terms of salary. Despite being “underpaid” compared to his peers, Kelce’s dedication to the Chiefs has led to significant team success, including a Super Bowl win in February and appearances in the big game in 2020 and 2021.

Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift boosts media presence but marketing income still trails

Kelce’s relationship with Swift has boosted his media presence and marketing potential. His licensing income saw a 177% increase, and his shirt sales spiked by 400%, placing him among the NFL’s top 5 players in this category. Sports marketing analyst Bob Dorfman estimated that Kelce currently makes around $5 million a year in off-the-field earnings and might double that number.

Despite his remarkable on-field achievements and increased off-field earnings, Kelce is yet to match the marketing heights of some of his peers. He remains dedicated to his team and passionate about winning, regardless of his financial situation. “It doesn’t matter how much money I’m making as a Chiefs player. While it does hit me in the gut a tad bit, it’s okay as long as I’m winning and enjoying the game,” he stated.

Kelce reflected on the lucrative opportunities his peers have found, noting, “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.” As he balances his on-field success with his growing marketing potential, Kelce’s commitment to the Chiefs and his evolving legacy remain unwavering, even amidst the media frenzy surrounding his relationship with Swift.