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Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is notably absent from today’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fans and football enthusiasts are wondering why one of the league’s most prominent players is sitting this one out. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind Travis Kelce’s absence and provide insights into his career, net worth, and more.
Travis Kelce’s Absence in Week 18
Travis Kelce is not playing in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a coaching decision by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, with a secured third seed in the AFC and a 10-6 record, have chosen to rest key starters, including the star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This strategic move is aimed at preserving the health and readiness of their key players for the upcoming playoffs.
Kelce, who is just 16 receiving yards away from achieving another 1000-yard season, will miss this opportunity due to the coaching decision. Despite having a slightly below-average season compared to his standards, with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games, the Chiefs value the rest for Kelce in Week 18 to ensure he is fresh for the playoffs. The team, although uncertain about their Wild Card Round opponent, is expected to make a strong playoff run despite offensive challenges during the regular season.
Who is Travis Kelce?
Before we dive deeper into the reasons behind Kelce’s absence, let’s get to know Travis Kelce a bit better. Travis Kelce is a prominent American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Kelce’s physical prowess on the field is undeniable.
He began his football journey by playing college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats before being drafted by the Chiefs in 2013, in the third round with the 63rd overall pick. Kelce has had an illustrious career, boasting two Super Bowl championships (LIV and LVII), nine Pro Bowl selections, and four first-team All-Pro honors.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Kelce holds several NFL records, including seven consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards and the most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end (1,416 in 2020). He is known as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
| Full Name | Travis Michael Kelce |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Westlake, Ohio, U.S. |
| Position | Tight End |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| NFL Debut | 2013 NFL Draft, Round 3, Pick 63 |
| College | University of Cincinnati |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Super Bowl Wins | LIV, LVII |
| Pro Bowls | 9 (2015–2023) |
| All-Pro Selections | 4 First-team (2016, 2018, 2020, 2022) |
Beyond the football field, Kelce co-hosts the podcast “New Heights” with his brother Jason, and his popularity skyrocketed due to his relationship with singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
Travis Kelce’s Early Life
Travis Kelce’s journey to NFL stardom began in Westlake, Ohio, where he was born on October 5, 1989. His father, Ed, worked in steel sales, while his mother, Donna, held a position as a bank executive. Travis has an older brother, Jason Kelce, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Travis Kelce attended Cleveland Heights High School, where he displayed his athletic talents in football, basketball, and baseball. However, it was football that truly captured his heart. In his senior year, Kelce earned All-Lake Erie League honors by accumulating an impressive 2,539 total offensive yards. His stats included 1,016 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 1,523 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2007. These accomplishments solidified Kelce’s foundation as a standout athlete from an early age.
Travis Kelce’s NFL Career
After accepting a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati, Travis Kelce faced some challenges, including a suspension for a failed drug test. However, he rebounded in his final collegiate season, earning accolades for his outstanding performance.
In the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Kelce in the third round. Despite early injuries, he quickly made an impact in the NFL and became a key player for the Chiefs. Kelce signed a significant contract extension in 2016 and continued to break records, including multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Kelce played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ success, contributing to their Super Bowl victories in LIV and LVII. His dynamic skills and remarkable consistency resulted in seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Travis Kelce’s Age and Net Worth
As of 2024, Travis Kelce is 34 years old. Despite his age, he continues to be a dominant force in the NFL, consistently setting records for tight ends and contributing significantly to the success of the Chiefs. His athleticism, skill, and leadership on and off the field make him a key figure in the league.
In terms of net worth, Travis Kelce boasts an estimated net worth of $40 million in 2024. While this places him among the wealthy in the world, it’s important to note that his earnings fall short compared to top quarterbacks. For instance, Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback and the NFL’s highest-paid QB, signed a substantial five-year contract worth $255 million with an average annual value of $51 million. Although comparing contracts can be tricky, Hurts’ deal is approximately four times more lucrative than Kelce’s, showcasing the significant wealth gap between positions in professional football.
Where is Travis Kelce Today?
As of today, Travis Kelce is not playing in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This decision is in line with the common practice in the NFL to rest key players in the final regular-season game, especially when the team has already secured a playoff spot. Kelce concludes the regular season with impressive stats, including 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns.
Travis Kelce Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Receiving | Rushing | Fumbles | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Rec | Yds | Y/R | Lng | TD | Att | Yds | Y/A | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | ||
| 2013 | KC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | KC | 16 | 11 | 67 | 862 | 12.9 | 34 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| 2015 | KC | 16 | 16 | 72 | 875 | 12.2 | 42 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2016 | KC | 16 | 15 | 85 | 1,125 | 13.2 | 80T | 4 | 1 | −5 | −5.0 | −5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | KC | 15 | 15 | 83 | 1,038 | 12.5 | 44 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 3.5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | KC | 16 | 16 | 103 | 1,336 | 13.0 | 43 | 10 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2019 | KC | 16 | 16 | 97 | 1,229 | 12.7 | 47 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 4T | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | KC | 15 | 15 | 105 | 1,416 | 13.5 | 45 | 11 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | KC | 16 | 16 | 92 | 1,125 | 12.2 | 69 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 4T | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | KC | 17 | 17 | 110 | 1,338 | 12.2 | 52 | 12 | 2 | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | KC | 15 | 15 | 93 | 984 | 10.6 | 53 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Career | 159 | 152 | 907 | 11,328 | 12.5 | 80T | 74 | 8 | 14 | 1.8 | 4T | 2 | 13 | 11 | |
Why is Travis Kelce Not Playing – FAQs
- Why is Travis Kelce not playing in Week 18?
Travis Kelce is inactive in Week 18 against the Chargers due to a coaching decision by the Kansas City Chiefs, strategically resting key starters, including Patrick Mahomes, ahead of the playoffs.
- What is Travis Kelce’s net worth in 2024?
Travis Kelce’s estimated net worth in 2024 is $40 million, a substantial figure, though not reaching the heights of top quarterbacks in the league.
- Why did the Chiefs decide to rest key starters in Week 18?
The Chiefs opted to rest key starters, including Travis Kelce, in Week 18 to ensure player health and readiness for the upcoming playoffs, with their third seed in the AFC already secured.
- How many consecutive 1,000-yard seasons did Travis Kelce have?
Travis Kelce had an impressive streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, showcasing his consistent performance as a star tight end.
- When did Travis Kelce last miss a regular-season game?
Travis Kelce last missed a regular-season game in 2020, also against the Chargers, when the Chiefs had already secured their playoff spot.
In conclusion, Travis Kelce’s absence in Week 18 is a strategic decision by the Kansas City Chiefs to preserve their key players for the playoffs, and it’s part of the NFL’s common practice. Despite this, Kelce’s career and impact on the league remain remarkable, making him one of the NFL’s most accomplished players.
