If this is the end for Travis Kelce, don't expect him to disappear.
Videos by FanBuzz
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
According to a report from The Athletic, Kelce could command around $15 million per year in broadcasting if he retires — either as a game analyst in the booth or as a studio presence. Not bad for a "Plan B."
The 36-year-old tight end has been weighing whether to return for a 14th season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the off-field runway is already built.
Kelce has been laying the groundwork for years.
He hosted Saturday Night Live after a Super Bowl win. He signed with CAA for entertainment representation. He launched and grew the "New Heights" podcast into a media force. He even hosted "Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?" and popped up in an FX series.
And yes, the celebrity factor matters. His relationship with Taylor Swift pushed him into another stratosphere of visibility. Networks notice that. Advertisers definitely do.
On the field, the production has dipped. The wear and tear is real. The Chiefs just finished 6-11. For the first time in a decade, the future feels uncertain in Kansas City.
Kelce recently said he still loves the game but needs to see how his body feels once it truly rests.
If he runs it back, it will be on his terms. If he doesn't, there is a headset waiting. And a very large check attached to it.
