Critics have expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during the first three games of the 2024-2025 NFL season. Many are attributing his lackluster statistics to his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. On the September 23 episode of "The Ryen Russillo Podcast," former ESPN analyst Todd McShay pointedly suggested that Kelce's recent surge in fame and his "jet-setting" lifestyle could be contributing factors to his struggles.
These comments came after Kelce recorded just four receptions for 30 yards in the Chiefs' away game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 22, a game Swift notably did not attend. McShay remarked, “Every show I watch, every pregame show, halftime show, postgame show, weekday show, every broadcast I watch for the last few weeks, it’s like, are we not allowed to say that he’s out of shape? That he’s been partying all offseason? He’s been jet-setting around with the most famous person probably in the entire world,” referring to Kelce's relationship with Swift, which became public in September 2023.
He also recalled Kelce's recent weekend in New York City, where he was seen “drinking” and enjoying the U.S. Open after the Chiefs’ Thursday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5. “I want you to take a picture from preseason 2022 and then take a picture preseason 2024, they’re barely the same human being," McShay added.
McShay dismissed arguments from fans who claimed that Kelce’s difficulties stemmed from being double or triple teamed. “Here’s the thing, bottom line with Kelce: The coverage and the respect he gets is the same, the athlete is not,” he concluded.
But the other side of coin suggests that Travis has been benefitted from ‘The Taylor Swift Factor’.
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Redefining role of Tight end
In addition to his off-field earnings, Kelce's on-field income is substantial. He signed a four-year, $57.25 million contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, which was restructured earlier this year. His guaranteed salary for this season amounts to $17 million, comprised of a $5.75 million base salary, an $11 million roster bonus, and a $250,000 workout bonus. Kelce’s growing wealth is not just a result of his NFL contracts. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is now valued at approximately $90 million. His endorsements with major brands like McDonald’s, Papa John’s, Nike, and Dick’s Sporting Goods contribute significantly to his income. Additionally, Kelce and his brother, Jason, co-host the popular podcast "New Heights," which recently secured a lucrative three-year, $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery. With his impressive earnings and high-profile relationship, Travis Kelce is redefining the role of a tight end in the NFL and establishing himself as a cultural icon.
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