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.
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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.
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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.
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