Travis Kelce has worked towards making himself known on and off the field. His adaptability on the field, alongside his overall appeal, has made him one of the biggest stars in the league. The TE’s dynamic bond with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has ushered in an era of dominance. Reaching three Super Bowls and winning two in the last five years, Kelce’s role in the franchise’s success is as clear as day. And a recent sneak peek into his earnings has brought out an interesting fact about him.
The NFL is the most lucrative sporting league in the world. However, not everyone earns a hefty paycheck but the biggest contributors to franchises often stand out when it comes to the size of their contracts. While one would expect Travis Kelce to be in the league of the big earners in the NFL, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Here’s a look at the TE’s earnings juxtapositioned against his contributions.
Is Travis Kelce sorely underpaid?
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In a league where some quarterbacks’ contracts extend beyond the 100 million mark, NFL fans may have to take a step back and let Travis Kelce’s earnings sink in. One tweet positioned the TE’s estimated earnings alongside his receiving yards.
Look at Travis Kelce’s career earnings compared to his production. Should be making $20+ million a year & you’ve never heard a peep out of him about how much he makes🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/YSJJC8aK2D
— Braiden Turner (@bturner23) March 21, 2023
Despite topping the receiving list over the last few years, Travis Kelce’s earnings don’t come remotely close to what many receivers in the league are paid. However, the TE has no issue with this.
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Last year, Kelce emphasized that a big paycheck was not the primary motivation to play in the league. According to him, “money is secondary.” The TE stated that he was playing to build a legacy and ensure that the Chiefs became the best team. The 33-year-old, who is now one of the most beloved stars in the league, has certainly made an impression among fans. His prioritization of the franchise ahead of his personal gain draws parallels to what Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady have done. Here’s a look at what the NFL world had to say on the matter.
The NFL world shared its thoughts on Kelce’s earnings
Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Kelce’s earnings in fervor. One fan stated that this was a smart move from the TE.
That's because he's a smart man. He knows that if he takes less it means a better team around him and Pat and they win more games. You win more games you're more valuable on and off the field. He gets his money, just not from the Chiefs.
— Craig (@ryderdrumr) March 21, 2023
Another user applauded.
Heart of a champion. Rings are the most important metric.
— astr0 (@astr0meb) March 21, 2023
This fan showered the TE with praise.
Love Kelce! Wish there were more like him!
— Joy (@jenrenh) March 21, 2023
Another user mused.
Yeah his career though like best tight end ever and it's damned near not arguable… Hof. First ballot . What he left behind so far is going to out live the money I'd bet.
— Teeb (@Teeb63203018) March 21, 2023
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This fan is bewildered.
If the last month has shown anything, that guy is also going to have a huge career after football, why he is not tapped to be in every commercial is beyond me.
— AltandCatchFire (@BalzacHangman) March 21, 2023
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Stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have taken salary cuts to ensure that their team could build the best possible unit. Travis Kelce’s emphasis on building a legacy without focusing on the money aligns with Mahomes and Brady’s values. There’s no doubt that Kelce will be remembered as one of the best to play in his position, and the fact that he puts his team first may make him all the more beloved by fans.
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