Travis Kelce values winning more than being underpaid
There is no debating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the best tight ends in the NFL, and has been for a while, making it surprising that he will earn a base salary of just $11.25 million for the 2023 season. Coming off the most productive season of his career, Kelce clearly values winning more than money.
“My managers and agents love to tell me how underpaid I am ,” Kelce told Tom Kludt of Vanity Fair. “You see how much more money you could be making and, yeah, it hits you in the gut a little bit.
“It makes you think you’re being taken advantage of. I don’t know if I really pressed the gas if I would get what I’m quote-unquote worth. But I know I enjoy coming to that building every single day.”
Former Chiefs and current Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill demanding more money before being traded showed Kelce the possible outcome of demanding a raise.
“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,” he said. “I’m like, 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.”
Although underpaid, Travis Kelce has two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs, is still in his prime and is apart of a winning culture in Kansas City.
The personality and charisma that Kelce possesses are nothing short of electric. He has zero issues with being on camera, talking into a microphone or just being himself. Alongside his older brother Jason, the Kelce Brothers’ podcast “New Heights” has become a massive success. He also hosted Saturday Night Live back in March.
In other words, Kelce has what it takes to succeed infinitely in his post-NFL career endeavors. Whether that includes broadcasting, acting or most forms of entertainment will be completely up to him.
He is still one of the best players in the NFL, and the most dominant at his position. Knowing in the back of his mind that there will be money for him once he retires, likely makes being underpaid as a player hurt a little less.
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