by Jason Kelce’s Journey to Football Fortune
Jason Kelce has established himself as one of the greatest centers in NFL history during his decade-long career spent entirely with the Philadelphia Eagles. While his accomplishments on the field are well documented, including a Super Bowl victory and several Pro Bowl selections, Kelce’s financial journey to building wealth through the NFL is equally impressive. Through lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and wise investments, Kelce has accumulated a sizeable fortune despite any claims of a vast “business empire” beyond his playing career. Let’s take a deeper look at how Kelce generated his wealth.
High Earner in the NFL
As the anchor of the Eagles offensive line for the past 10 years, Kelce has leveraged his elite play into highly lucrative contracts. After being drafted by Philadelphia in the 6th round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Kelce slowly worked his way into a starting role by his second season in 2012. He then signed a modest two-year, $2.2 million contract extension in 2013 as he emerged as the full-time starter. However, this would mark just the beginning of far more lucrative deals to come as Kelce established himself among the NFL’s best centers.
In 2015, Kelce signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract extension with the Eagles that made him the highest-paid center in the league at the time. He lived up to the payday by being named first-team All-Pro in both 2015 and 2016 seasons. Entering the final year of that deal in 2019, Kelce and the Eagles agreed to a restructured contract that paid him $24 million over the next three seasons, keeping him in Philadelphia through 2021 on a very favorable deal.
Kelce continued his stellar play into his 30s, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2018, 2019, and 2020. After the 2020 season, the Eagles again rewarded their veteran leader by signing him to a new one-year, $14.25 million contract for the 2021 season, making him the highest-paid center in football for the second time in his career. While he contemplated retirement following the 2021 campaign, Kelce ultimately decided to return for one more season in 2022 on another one-year deal worth $11.5 million.
In total, Kelce’s career earnings from his NFL contracts alone are estimated to surpass $80 million over 12 seasons. As one of the longest-tenured and highest-paid players at his position for much of his career, Kelce maximized his value at football’s highest level.
Building Wealth Through Endorsements
In addition to his substantial on-field income, Kelce has looked to leverage his fame and popularity in Philadelphia into lucrative endorsement opportunities. While specifics of Kelce’s sponsorship deals are not widely publicized, it is believed he has partnerships with several major brands.
One well-known endorsement is with Buffalo Wild Wings, appearing in national commercials and promotion for the chicken wing chain. Kelce is also a brand ambassador for Sunoco gas stations, which are prominently featured throughout the Philadelphia region. Local Philadelphia companies like Wawa convenience stores and ACME supermarkets have utilized Kelce’s likeness and voice in radio spots as well. National brands like Gatorade and Head & Shoulders shampoo have tapped Kelce for social media promotions too.
While exact figures are unavailable, these high-profile deals are estimated to net Kelce at least several million dollars over the course of his career. The endorsement income serves as further testament to his broad popularity in Philadelphia and status as one of the faces of the Eagles franchise for over a decade.
Investing in Real Estate
Rather than make exaggerated claims of an empire, Kelce appears to have taken a more conservative approach to investing his NFL wealth over the years. One known avenue is real estate, a strategy employed by many professional athletes. Kelce and his wife, Kylie, have acquired several rental properties in and around their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio according to public records. This includes multi-unit apartment buildings as well as single-family homes, leveraging relatively low cost of living in Ohio.
Managing a portfolio of rental properties can provide steady cash flow from tenants as well as appreciate in value over the long run. For Kelce, the real estate likely serves as a means to generate passive income well after his playing career concludes. While not on the scale of other athletes’ vast real estate holdings, Kelce’s real estate investments are a smart way to preserve and grow his wealth in a low-risk manner.
Focus on Philanthropy
Unlike some athletes who chase business ventures while still playing, Kelce seems more focused on maximizing his NFL window and giving back through philanthropy. He created the Jason Kelce Charitable Foundation which supports education, health, and community programs. One major initiative provided over 250,000 meals to families in need during the pandemic through the Philabundance hunger relief organization.
Kelce also donates tickets for Eagles games and special events to benefit various causes. He regularly visits patients at local children’s hospitals as well. Through his foundation and personal donations, Kelce quietly donates seven figures annually without seeking publicity for his charitable work. This aligns with his low-key personality as opposed to ambitious business dealings still active as a player.
Retirement Plans Ahead?
Entering his age-35 season in 2022, Kelce is nearing the end of his illustrious NFL career. While still performing at an elite level, he will need to weigh family and health factors in any retirement decision. Financially, between his career earnings, endorsements, and investments, Kelce is set for life even without pursuing additional business ventures. He owns homes in Philadelphia and Cleveland that will provide housing well into retirement.
Kelce seems the type to transition smoothly into family and community work post-football. He may take on a formal role with his charitable foundation or join the Eagles front office given his strong relationship with the franchise. Kelce has also expressed interest in coaching. Wherever his path leads, Jason Kelce has cemented his legacy both on and off the field in Philadelphia through dedication, performance, and responsible financial management over a remarkable NFL career.
In conclusion, while exaggerated claims of a “business empire” are unfounded, Jason Kelce has undoubtedly built great wealth and set himself up beautifully for life after football primarily through his NFL career earnings and investments. He maximized contract values as one of the league’s top centers for over a decade. Endorsement deals and real estate have supplemented his income as well. Most importantly, Kelce’s focus has been philanthropic work and family over chasing splashy business ventures. Through it all, Kelce has earned tremendous respect as one of the greatest Philadelphia Eagles of all time.
