It appears the Travis Kelce hype train is losing some steam. The three-time Super Bowl champion, who ranked among the NFL's most marketable players in 2023 and 2024, has seen his jersey sales tumble ahead of the 2026 season. According to league data, Kelce now sits at No. 29 in the NFL Players Association's year-end top 50 jersey sales list—a far cry from his No. 4 spot just two years ago.
For the first time in recent memory, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has fallen out of the top 25, landing at No. 24 during the 2025-26 season before dropping further. The decline marks a notable shift for a player who once rode a wave of popularity fueled by on-field heroics and a high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. As the buzz around their rumored wedding at Madison Square Garden continues to circulate, Kelce's commercial appeal appears to be cooling.
“Fans have more choices than ever when it comes to the players they follow and support, and the Year-End Top 50 gives us a real look at who they’re showing up for,” said Matt Curtin, President of NFL Players Inc. “This isn’t just about jerseys. It’s about the products fans choose to buy, collect, wear, and display every day. The rankings help show which players are breaking through, building strong connections with fans, and driving demand throughout the licensed products business.”
Kelce now finds himself trailing quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Jaxson Dart, while still ahead of stars like Maxx Crosby and Shedeur Sanders. The dip raises questions about whether the 36-year-old's star power has peaked, especially as younger players like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Jefferson dominate the sales charts. Still, those close to Kelce believe his business acumen will keep him in the spotlight long after he hangs up his cleats.
Kelce Eyes Shaq-Like Post-Football Empire
Despite the jersey sales slide, Kelce's ambitions remain sky-high. Insiders paint a picture of a player determined to become the NFL's version of Shaquille O'Neal—a larger-than-life figure whose name graces everything from restaurants to tech investments. “People around him see him becoming the NFL’s version of Shaq – someone whose name is attached to a wide range of successful businesses because he knows how to leverage his popularity,” one insider said. “And if opportunities arise to collaborate with Taylor, he’s certainly open to that, too.”
The tight end's relationship with Swift has only amplified his drive. “One thing is clear: Travis has no interest in disappearing after football. He wants to maximize the platform he’s built, continue growing as a businessman and keep expanding his reach,” the source added. “Being with Taylor has only reinforced his drive to succeed on an even bigger stage.”
Of course, Kelce's off-field life continues to generate headlines. His ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole recently spoke out ahead of the wedding buzz, adding another layer to the narrative. Meanwhile, Swifties were furious after Brooks Koepka's wife called Kelce her 'hall pass', proving the tight end still commands attention—even if his jersey sales are slipping.
As the 2026 season approaches, Kelce faces a dual challenge: reclaiming his spot among the NFL's elite on the field while plotting a post-football career that could rival Shaq's. With the Chiefs set to kick off in three months, all eyes will be on whether the future Hall of Famer can reverse his popularity slide. One thing is certain: Travis Kelce is far from done writing his story, even if his jersey isn't flying off the shelves like it used to.
