“He’s Taking a Pay Cut”: Cam Newton Shares His Honest Opinion on Travis Kelce’s Situation With the Chiefs

Travis Kelce is contemplating retirement, and rightfully so. At 35, he already has three Super Bowl rings, records that will take years—if not decades—to break, and, most importantly, he has become a media darling in the last few years. His YouTube/Amazon podcast with brother Jason is a hit as well. So, even if the tight end decides to hang up his cleats, his off-field ventures are poised to earn him more than his playing career ever could.

With everything Kelce has lined up outside of football, Cam Newton believes that walking away now wouldn’t be the worst idea. “I think what every player dreams of, he’s (living) that ultimate dream,” said the former Panthers QB (via 4th & 1). “He got options. He got s**t pending right now.”

And by options, Newton means Kelce’s move to Hollywood. The star tight end has already starred in an episode of the thriller series, Grotesquerie. He also hosted the first season of Amazon Prime Video game show Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? Newton, therefore, stated that it only makes sense for Kelce to seek more opportunities.

His brother, Jason, who called it quits last year from his center position in Philly, has already transitioned to life as an NFL broadcaster and is set to make $24 million over three years. Jason’s wife, Kylie, has also debuted her own podcast and landed a deal with Dove. So, even without playing football, the Kelces can still earn big and uplift those around them — the same way Taylor Swift has done for Travis.

“You’re dating Taylor Swift. Like, bro, the world is your oyster. Rockefeller,” said Cam, while diving into the opportunities Travis has at his disposal and what he could achieve in post-retirement.

Moreover, the $11.5 million roster bonus Kelce is set to receive in the  2025 league year is like “pay cut” money to Cam. He believes Kelce could easily make more—at least $15 million—given all he has done with the Chiefs is win.

“That’s all he getting? $11.5 million? Nah, bro, he’s taking a pay cut. Cause he can easily make $15 million. He’s one of them ones, bro… He’s winning… That moth******er got dealt an ace of spade, a king of spade, a queen of spade, ten of spade, three of spade, and two aces of other suits.”

It’s quite a situation for Travis. He’s currently reeling from the loss of a Super Bowl win that would have etched his and his Chiefs squad’s name in NFL history, as it would have secured a never-done-before three-peat. He also didn’t have the season he wanted, as it seems Father Time is catching up to him. That could also be the reason he might make a comeback.

It wouldn’t be easy to end a career on the back of a loss. Travis is also the highest-paid tight end in the league right now and currently has one year left on his contract. The Chiefs have even given him the option to stay, so despite making less, we could still see the tight end play again next year.