Travis Kelce is living a life most can only dream of — dominating the NFL, making fans laugh on his hit podcast, and navigating the spotlight of a high-profile relationship. While his on-field presence as a Kansas City Chiefs tight end is legendary, Kelce’s life off the field is equally fascinating. Let’s dive deeper into his life.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Are the NFL’s Power Couple
When the NFL meets global pop stardom, the result is a cultural phenomenon like “Swelce.” Kelce, Kansas City’s star tight end, and Taylor Swift, the global pop icon, have captured headlines for their high-profile careers and enviable relationship. Swift has been cheering him and Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium, being referred to as the team’s lucky charm.
Kelce’s relationship with Swift has turned him into a cultural icon. Since the couple went public in 2023, their pairing has captivated fans and media alike, earning them the moniker of “America’s royal couple.” Swift’s attendance at Kelce’s games elevated NFL viewership, with records set during multiple matchups, including the Chiefs-Bills playoff game, which became the most-watched NFL divisional playoff game ever.
The relationship’s impact isn’t confined to the field. A sports marketing firm estimated the Chiefs’ franchise value increased by $331.4 million in six months due to the Kelce-Swift effect. The duo’s influence culminated in Kelce joining Swift onstage during her “The Eras Tour” in London, where he danced during her performance of “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.”
The Podcast That Took Off: New Heights
Teaming up with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis co-hosts the “New Heights” podcast, a sports show that blends humor and insider NFL stories. The show has become a fan favorite thanks to its unmatched humor and relatable storytelling. The show peaked when the duo inked a $100 million deal with Wondery, skyrocketing its reach and popularity.
Meet the Kelces: Donna, Ed, and Jason
Travis hails from a family of achievers. His mom, Donna Kelce, became a Super Bowl icon with her split jersey representing both sons. His dad, Ed Kelce, a steelworker, instilled a good work ethic in his boys. Jason, his older brother and retired Philadelphia Eagles star, shares the spotlight with his brother Travis and has been there for him as his guiding light since his college days at Cincinnati.
Travis Kelce reacts emotionally to Jason Kelce taking about their relationship #Eagles #Chiefs pic.twitter.com/VTfkWh5nvH
— John McMullen (@JFMcMullen) March 4, 2024
Kelce’s Hobbies Beyond Football
When Kelce isn’t catching passes or hosting podcasts, he’s indulging in hobbies like cars and real estate. He is also a golf enthusiast and has won the long drive contest at the 2023 American Century Championship. Additionally, he teamed up with Patrick Mahomes to defeat Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in “The Match VII.”
Kelce’s Net Worth, Business Ventures, and More
Throughout his time with the Chiefs, Kelce has earned $93,943,975 from his NFL contracts alone.
Kelce has a net worth of $90 million, built on his NFL earnings, endorsements, and ventures like Casa Azul Reposado Tequila. The veteran’s business acumen matches his athleticism.
A prolific endorser, he’s been the face of brands like Nike, McDonald’s, Old Spice, and Campbell’s. His entrepreneurial spirit took flight in 2019 with the launch of Hilo Nutrition, a health brand specializing in performance gummy supplements. Shortly after, in 2020, Kelce introduced Tru Kolors, his clothing line, which became the first NFL player-owned brand to collaborate officially with an NFL franchise, the Chiefs.
Kelce’s ventures go beyond apparel and nutrition. He’s also a savvy investor, earning a four-times return on his stake in L Catterton’s acquisition of Cholula Hot Sauce when McCormick & Company bought the brand for $800 million in 2020.
In Oct. 2023, Kelce and Walmart unveiled a barbecue product line, Travis Kelce’s Kitchen, inspired by Kansas City flavors. This followed the success of his 2022 collaboration with Hy-Vee, which launched Kelce’s Krunch, a limited-edition cereal supporting his charitable foundation.
Beyond football and business, Kelce shines in other arenas. He continues to redefine what it means to be an athlete in the modern era, from behind a microphone to the football field and boardrooms.
Chiefs vs. Bills Game Preview
- Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kanas City
- Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Streaming: CBS/Paramount+
Now, Kelce will try to lead the Chiefs past the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game.
In the Super Bowl era, the Bills and Chiefs are the fifth pair of teams to face each other in the playoffs four times within a five-season span. The Chiefs could become the first team to play in the Super Bowl while seeking a Super Bowl three-peat.
The Bills lead the league in turnover margin this season, including the playoffs, at +27. Buffalo has maintained an even or positive turnover margin in 21 consecutive games dating back to last season, tying the 1952-53 Rams for the longest streak since turnovers became an official stat in 1933.
On the other side, the Chiefs have gone eight straight games without a turnover, the longest streak since turnovers became an official stat in 1933.
Josh Allen is one of the league’s best quarterbacks against the blitz. Including the playoffs, he averages the second-highest EPA(Expected Points Added) per dropback (0.30) when blitzed, with 16 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions.
However, the Chiefs excel at blitzing effectively. Including the playoffs, Kansas City blitzes at the ninth-highest rate in the league (30%) and ranks 10th in pressure rate (44%) when sending extra rushers.
The Bills have been one of the league’s best defenses on early downs this season, ranking fifth in EPA per play (0.08) on first and second down. However, their performance drops significantly on third down, where they rank 31st in EPA per play (-0.26) and have allowed the fifth-highest third-down conversion rate (44%).
That’s an ominous sign against a Chiefs offense that thrives on third downs. Kansas City ranks fourth in third down conversion rate (47.9%) and fourth in EPA per play (0.22) on third down. Conversely, they only rank 15th in EPA per play on first and second down (-0.02).
In two playoff games against the Chiefs, Allen has posted QB+ scores of 86.6 (B) in 2021 and 74.8 (C) in 2023. Meanwhile, Mahomes has earned QB+ scores of 86.9 (B) in 2021 and 79.0 (C+) in 2023 in two postseason games against the Bills.
Many fans (and Houston Texans players) were frustrated with the officiating in Kansas City’s Divisional Round win. Since 2018, the Chiefs have received nine roughing-the-passer calls in the playoffs (including the Will Anderson Jr. call on Saturday), while the rest of the NFL combined has totaled 18 such calls, with no other team receiving more than two.
Kansas City has now made seven consecutive Conference Championship appearances — only the New England Patriots had more in a row (eight from 2011-18) in NFL history.
PFN’s Playoff Predictor gives the Bills a 50.7% chance of winning this game while the Chiefs have 49.3% odds, showing just how close this game should be.
