‘Chump Change Next to Taylor Swift’: Analyst Compares Travis Kelce’s $17M Salary to Tom Brady’s Marriage Dynamic Amid Engagement Buzz
August 26 was expected to be a routine cut-down day for the NFL, but the spotlight shifted dramatically when news broke of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement. The pop superstar is saying “yes” to the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, and fans everywhere are celebrating this high-profile union. However, the engagement has also sparked speculation about Kelce’s future in football, with some wondering if this could signal his retirement after the upcoming 2025 regular season.
Retirement Rumors Gain Traction
During a recent CBS Sports panel discussion, NFL Senior Writer Pete Prisco weighed in on Kelce’s career trajectory.
“He is in the final year of his deal. He is coming to the end of his career… And he wasn’t that good last year, but he seemed to be refocused this off season,” Prisco commented. He pointed out that Kelce’s physical condition appeared to lag last season:
“Travis wasn’t in shape. If you looked at him last year, he almost looked like he was lean at times. It didn’t look like he put the work in in the gym. This year, he looks different, so it’s a big year, personally, for him from a football standpoint.”
“Chump Change” Salary Compared to Swift’s Fortune
Prisco also jokingly praised Kelce for “marrying up,” noting that his $17 million salary is mere “tip jar” money compared to Swift’s massive fortune. With Swift’s net worth reportedly in the billions—at least 12 times greater than Kelce’s—fellow analyst Chris Hassel quipped,
“That’s chump change for Taylor. I mean, it’s like Tom Brady with his wife. She was making more too.”
Kelce’s On-Field Performance: Signs of Change
Kelce, who turns 36 in less than two months, is entering his 13th professional season. His recent performances have fueled retirement speculation. In the AFC Championship and Super Bowl LIX, Kelce’s output was underwhelming:
– Postseason receiving yards: 175 (his lowest since 2018)
– Super Bowl performance: Frequently the last player out of his stance
Despite these concerns, Kelce showed promise in the final week of preseason, connecting with quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice for a total of 32 passing yards. This brief display reassured fans that the Mahomes-Kelce tandem still poses a threat to defenders and could be a key part of the Chiefs’ strategy for the upcoming season.
What’s Next for Kelce and the Chiefs?
As Kelce prepares for what may be his final NFL regular season, the focus is on how much longer the iconic QB-TE duo will play together. If retirement is on the horizon, Mahomes and the Chiefs will need to make the most of their time with Kelce on the field. After this season, it seems Kelce may be headed for a new chapter—possibly in Hollywood, alongside his soon-to-be wife, Taylor Swift.
With engagement celebrations underway and football fans watching closely, the future looks bright for both Kelce and Swift—whether on the gridiron or the red carpet. For now, all eyes are on the Chiefs as they gear up for what could be Kelce’s grand finale in the NFL.
