Travis Kelce's Epic Earnings: How He Nearly Tops NFL's Wealthiest Stars
SHOCKING SALARIES REVEALED: Patrick Mahomes Falls Short of Top Spot, Travis Kelce Steals the Show
In a stunning turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been left reeling after being dethroned as the highest-paid football player on and off the field. A new analysis by Sportico has exposed the jaw-dropping salaries and endorsement deals of the NFL's elite, leaving Mahomes in second place.
While his $50 million salary and bonuses for 2025 may sound like a king's ransom, it pales in comparison to the staggering $80 million he's set to rake in with his estimated $30 million in endorsement deals. Yes, you read that right – $80 million!
But who's taking home the top spot? Josh Allen leads the pack with an impressive $73 million, thanks in part to his lucrative endorsement deals with heavy hitters like New Era, Snickers, and Corona.
However, it's not just about the big-name brands. Travis Kelce, the Chiefs' star tight end, has quietly been raking in an estimated $32 million through his popular "New Heights" podcast and a highly publicized relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift. But what really puts him over the top is his record-breaking podcast deal with Wondery, worth a whopping $100 million for three years!
Kelce's total earnings of $49.3 million have catapulted him to seventh place on the list of top earners. And he's not alone – other quarterbacks are dominating the rankings, including Brock Purdy ($50.1 million), Micah Parsons ($48.7 million), and Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence ($48 million) tied for tenth.
But what about Mahomes? While his salary may be respectable, it lags behind four other quarterbacks: Josh Allen, Justin Herbert ($71 million), Dak Prescott ($57.8 million), and Tua Tagovailoa ($54.5 million). And if that weren't enough, Sportico reveals that Mahomes' average annual value (AAV) of $45 million is only tied for 15th in the league with Kirk Cousins.
In fact, thirteen other quarterbacks – including Prescott, who leads the pack at $60 million AAV – have higher salaries than Mahomes. But what's really interesting is how these players are making their money off the field.
Take Herbert, for example. His endorsement deals with Nike, Verizon, and others have raked in a staggering $11 million. And don't even get started on his AAV of $43 million – that's a whole lot of cash!
But Kelce's endorsement empire is the real story here. His "New Heights" podcast deal is just the tip of the iceberg, with an estimated 30% of his total earnings coming from off-field ventures.
And it's not just about the money; these players are also savvy businesspeople. Mahomes has invested in several sports franchises outside of football, including the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, KC Current, and F1 team Alpine.
So what does this all mean? It means that football players are more than just athletes – they're entrepreneurs, entertainers, and brand ambassadors. And if you thought the NFL was just about tackling and touchdowns, think again.
The Top 20 Earners:
- Josh Allen ($73 million)
- Justin Herbert ($71 million)
- Dak Prescott ($57.8 million)
- Tua Tagovailoa ($54.5 million)
- Patrick Mahomes ($50 million)
- Brock Purdy ($50.1 million)
- Travis Kelce ($49.3 million)
- Micah Parsons ($48.7 million)
- Jalen Hurts ($48.5 million)
- Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence (tied for $48 million)
Note: The figures mentioned in this article are based on Sportico's analysis and may not reflect the players' actual earnings.