Top 5 richest NFL tight ends: George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and more stars raking in millions
(Image via Getty: Travis Kelce with George Kittle)
What if the tight end job were the NFL's new gold mine? In the past decade, it's exactly what it has become. They transitioned from a blocking-centric position to a top source of highlight-reel plays as well as seven-figure paydays.
Modern tight ends don't just catch passes; they catch dollars in the form of record-smashing contracts, endorsement deals, podcasts, and shrewd side hustles.
Headed up the charge? Here is the group of five elite TEs who've turned gridiron greatness into serious financial success.
1.
Travis Kelce
When you think of tight ends and money, you think of Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs' superstar has transformed into one of the league's wealthiest tight ends, with an estimated net worth of $50–60 million.
His on-field dominance (multiple Super Bowls, consistent 1,000-yard seasons) is just the baseline.
— drinkgaragebeer (@drinkgaragebeer)
In April of 2024, he solidified that status with a two-year, $34.25 million extension, the type of deal that places him at the top or second on the payday lists. Off the field, Kelce's brand has blown up with endorsements from Nike, Bud Light, State Farm, and McDonald's. His New Heights podcast with brother Jason Kelce is said to be a multi-million-dollar media powerhouse.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Livguard Lithium-X: The Future of Power Backup
Livguard
Shop Now
Undo
And even a Kellogg's-style cereal line contributes to his entrepreneurial spirit.
2. Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski may have retired from the limelight, but his bank account is one of the stories of dominance. With four Super Bowl rings (two with New England, one with Tampa Bay), he's not just legendary on paper; he's legendary in paychecks.
Gronkowski's savvy investments and off-the-grid corporate roles have pushed his net worth to around $45–50 million.
He capitalized on his charm with media gigs and endorsement deals that extended well beyond football.
3. George Kittle
The people who've seen George Kittle realize he is not only dominating on the field but dominating in negotiations as well. The incandescent San Francisco 49ers tight end negotiated a four-year, $76.4 million contract in 2024. And that ranks among the highest-paid players at his position at an average of $19.1 million annually.
His net worth of $30–40 million is indicative of the contributions he makes as a blocker as well as a thunderous pass receiver. Kittle's on-field personality, cute-as-a-button tough and boundless energy, has carried over nicely to brand contracts and sponsorships that tap into his "teddy bear confronts tank" charm.
4. Jason Witten
The toughness and reliability of Jason Witten served him well in establishing a career and an estimated net worth of approximately $25–35 million.
A 16-year fixture with the Dallas Cowboys, Witten was frequently the emotional and professional leader of the team. Eleven Pro Bowl appearances and consistent solidity made him extremely valuable, and he leveraged that longevity for large contracts.
After retirement, he transitioned smoothly to broadcasting with ESPN's Monday Night Football, then briefly un-retired to suit up with the Cowboys and Raiders. Between media earnings and savvy business deals, Witten's extended career in football circles has paid off in both literal and real ways.
5. Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham may have retired his cleats in March 2024, but not before establishing a net worth estimated at $20–25 million. Specializing in deep-red zone aerial supremacy and Pro Bowl showings, Graham always demanded hefty paydays with several clubs, including the Saints, Seahawks, Packers, and Bears.
He wisely managed his salary and has held on to his fortune through a mix of conservative investments and staying connected to the world of athletics after retirement.
While more subdued than a few of the larger names on this list, Graham's bank deposits and fiscal responsibility have kept him comfortably placed among the richest tight ends.
Whereas signed contracts and Pro Bowl selections were the starting points, it's the off-field grind that solidified these tight ends as NFL riches royalty. Multi-million dollar contracts, enduring media franchises, and shrewd investments, these guys now embody how the new-age tight end forges wealth far greater than their contribution on the field.
The job remains a work in progress. Star players such as Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson are racking up elite stats and new contracts that will find them on next year's "Top Richest TE" lists. Until then, however, these five pioneers, Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle, Jason Witten, and Jimmy Graham, hold court. In the NFL's new world, tight ends are not merely catching passes; they're catching paychecks.
Also Read:
Top 10 Richest NFL Players in 2025: Who Leads the Pack?
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
17 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Kisses yes, Bezos No,' protesters say, as Amazon founder's wedding bonanza stirs controversy in Venice
Hundreds of protesters marched through Venice's central streets on Saturday to say 'No' to billionaire Jeff Bezos, his bride and their much-awaited wedding extravaganza, which reached its third and final day amid celebrity-crowded parties and the outcries of tired residents. On Friday, the world's fourth-richest man and his bride Lauren Sanchez Bezos tied the knot during a private ceremony with around 200 celebrity guests on the secluded island of San Giorgio. The wedding, however, angered many Venetians, with some activists protesting it as an exploitation of the city by the billionaire Bezos, while ordinary residents suffer from overtourism, high housing costs and the constant threat of climate-induced flooding. As the two newlyweds prepared for the final party Saturday evening, hundreds of Venetians and protesters from across Italy filled Venice's tiny streets with colorful banners reading 'Kisses Yes, Bezos No' and 'No Bezos, no War.' Venice has around 50,000 residents. The demonstration contrasted with the expensive wedding bonanza, seen by critics as an affront to the lagoon city's fragile environment and its citizens, overwhelmed by throngs of tourists. 'We are here to continue ruining the plans of these rich people, who accumulate money by exploiting many other people … while the conditions of this city remain precarious,' said Martina Vergnano, one of the demonstrators. The protest organizers claimed that their planned protest had forced the relocation of Saturday's party from a supposed initial location to a former medieval shipyard, the Arsenale. Bezos donated 1 million euros ($1.17 million) each to three environmental research organizations working to preserve Venice, according to Corila, the Venetian environmental research association. But many protesters blasted the move as a clear attempt to appease angry residents. 'We want a free Venice, which is finally dedicated to its citizens. … Those donations are just a misery and only aimed at clearing Bezos' conscience,' said Flavio Cogo, a Venetian activist who joined Saturday's protest. Details of the exclusive wedding ceremony Friday night were a closely guarded secret, until Sánchez Bezos posted to Instagram a photo of herself beaming in a white gown as she stood alongside a tuxedo-clad Bezos. Athletes, celebrities, influencers and business leaders converged to revel in extravagance that was as much a testament to the couple's love as to their extraordinary wealth. The star-studded guest list included Oprah Winfrey and NFL great Tom Brady, along with Hollywood stars Leonardo Di Caprio and Orlando Bloom, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates and top socialites, including the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their three children also joined the celebrations. The bride and groom stayed at the Aman Venice hotel on the Grand Canal, where Bezos posed for photos and Sanchez Bezos blew kisses to the press. 'The planet is burning but don't worry, here's the list of the 27 dresses of Lauren Sánchez,' read one protest slogan, a reference to the bride's reported wedding weekend wardrobe. It featured a mermaid-lined wedding gown by Dolce & Gabbana and other Dolce Vita-inspired looks by Italian designers, including Schiaparelli and Bottega Veneta. The city administration has strongly defended the nuptials as in keeping with Venice's tradition as an open city that has welcomed popes, emperors and ordinary visitors alike for centuries.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
John Cena survives CM Punk in chaotic WWE Night of Champions main event
John Cena narrowly retained the Undisputed WWE Championship in a chaotic, emotionally charged main event against CM Punk at WWE Night of Champions 2025 on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In their first singles bout since 2013, the two legends delivered a thrilling battle that echoed their classic rivalry from 2011–2012. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Cena, now on a heel farewell tour after capturing the title at WrestleMania 41, looked to retire with the gold. But Punk pushed him to the limit in a match full of callbacks, including counters between the STF and Anaconda Vise. Punk survived multiple Attitude Adjustments, while Cena endured several GTS attempts. — WWE (@WWE) Drama escalated when Cena knocked the referee out with a shoulder block. Punk landed another GTS, but there was no official to count. That opened the door for Mr. Money in the Bank Seth Rollins and his crew - Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed - to storm the ring. They brutally attacked Punk, slamming him through the announce table. Live Events — WWE (@WWE) A second referee rushed in, only to be inadvertently taken out by Cena himself. In a surprising twist, Cena turned on Rollins, hitting him with an Attitude Adjustment - despite Rollins aiding him at Elimination Chamber as well. — WWE (@WWE) Cena eventually scored the win, retaining the title in controversial fashion. With Cody Rhodes set to challenge him at SummerSlam after winning King of the Ring , the road ahead looks turbulent. — WWE (@WWE) In other fights of the night, Jade Cargill won Queen of the Ring and will face Tiffany Stratton, while Jacob Fatu shockingly lost his United States Championship. WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS RESULTS Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) defeated CM Punk King of the Ring Final: Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton Queen of the Ring Final: Jade Cargill defeated Asuka United States Championship Match: Solo Sikoa defeated Jacob Fatu Street Fight: Rhea Ripley defeated Raquel Rodriguez & Sami Zayn defeated Karrion Kross
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Meet Neena Gupta's husband Vivek Mehra: CA, corporate leader and family man who stays away from the limelight
Neena Gupta is truly one of Indian cinema's most fearless and loved talents. Over the years, she has given us countless memorable moments on screen and her more recent was 'Panchayat' season 4. We are sure that most of you have already binge-watched 'Panchayat Season 4' by now. And if you have, you must have surely fallen in love with Neena Gupta's character. Her confident and charming on-screen presence is simply delightful. But did you know that in real life, she is just as lively and vibrant? While many fans know quite a bit about Neena, not many know about her husband, Vivek Mehra. So here's a little look into his life and their sweet love story. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vivek Mehra (@aslivivekmehra) Vivek Mehra's early life and education Vivek Mehra was born in Delhi in 1961. For his schooling, he went to the beautiful hills of Himachal Pradesh, studying at Lawrence School, Sanawar. Later, he returned to Delhi for college and attended Shri Ram College of Commerce under Delhi University, one of the best places in India for business and commerce studies. Not stopping there, he went on to do Chartered Accountancy from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, building a solid base for his future in the finance world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo A successful corporate career When it comes to work, Vivek Mehra's journey is quite inspiring. According to a Pinkvilla report, he started off as Managing Partner at P.R. Mehra & Co. in Delhi. From there, he moved to PwC India, one of the top firms in the field. At PwC, he led the M&A tax practice and later became a member of the PwC governing board. This shows just how good he is at what he does. After his time at PwC, Vivek worked as an independent director with some of India's big names like DLF, Zee Entertainment, HT Media, Hero Future Energies and Chambal Fertilisers. On top of that, he is on the board of 17 companies. This includes well-known firms like Havells India, Bharat Hotels, and even Masaba Gupta 's fashion label. It's clear that he's a key player in many top businesses. How Vivek and Neena's love story began Not many know how Vivek Mehra and Neena Gupta first met. Well, it all began on a flight in the mid-2000s. It was only a few hours together, but in that short time, they formed a special bond. They kept in touch and got to know each other better. After almost eight years, they finally tied the knot in a private ceremony in the U.S on 15 July 2008. Most people would find it hard to live in a long-distance marriage, but Neena and Vivek make it work beautifully. The same report revealed, Neena stays in Mumbai because of her work in films and shows, while Vivek lives in Delhi, busy with his many corporate duties. Even so, they don't let distance come between them. They often travel to meet each other and always find ways to show their love and care. A chapter from his past What many people might not know is that this is Vivek Mehra's second marriage. He has never spoken about his first wife, and her name has never been made public. From that marriage, he has two kids. But all of them like to keep away from the spotlight and live a private life. A quiet man with a powerful presence Even though Vivek handles so many big roles in the corporate world, he stays away from the public eye. He is a man of quiet power, letting his work do all the talking. Being on the board of 17 companies is no small thing. Yet, he manages to keep it all low-key, which is quite rare these days.
