Donna Kelce is grateful that her sons, Jason and Travis Kelce, were able to build their football careers before the NIL era completely changed college sports.
While speaking with USA TODAY in partnership with the sports streaming app GameChanger, Kelce laughed while reflecting on how different things might have been if her sons played college football today.
“That’d be a nightmare,” Kelce said jokingly when asked what it would have been like navigating NIL opportunities while raising two future NFL stars. “I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about it.”
The conversation highlighted just how much college athletics has changed in recent years as student-athletes now balance endorsements, sponsorships, and major financial opportunities alongside football.
Donna Kelce Says NIL Athletes Need More Support
Kelce made clear she supports college athletes receiving compensation through NIL deals. However, she also said young athletes need stronger financial guidance as the business side of sports continues to grow.
“If you think about it, a lot of children with a lot of money, that’s just not a good thing,” Kelce explained. “And they don’t have help. Usually in professional sports there’s somebody there that can help you, like a financial planner or something.”
She added, “And I feel so bad because they have money that could probably last them, if invested properly, the rest of their lives.”
Kelce also praised the opportunities NIL has created for athletes.
“I’m not saying that they shouldn’t be paid because colleges are making a lot of money on it,” she said. “I just think that in my own opinion, it could have been thought about a little bit more in their favor.”
The NIL era officially began in 2021 and has quickly become a major part of college athletics across the country.
Jason & Travis Kelce Continue Expanding Their Success Beyond Football
Both Kelce brothers had already become established NFL stars before NIL rules changed college sports.
According to Spotrac.com, Jason earned approximately $81.7 million during his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Travis has reportedly earned nearly $111.9 million with the Kansas City Chiefs and is expected to earn another $12 million during the 2026 season.
Their success has continued well beyond football.
The brothers built a massive audience through their “New Heights” podcast, while Jason joined ESPN after retiring from the NFL. Travis also remains in the spotlight ahead of his upcoming wedding to Taylor Swift.
Donna has also become a recognizable public figure through endorsements and appearances. She recently partnered with GameChanger, a Dick’s Sporting Goods-owned Platform, for a giveaway featuring a custom “Gran Cave” designed for grandparents who stream youth sports.
Kylie Kelce Shares Funny Stories About Jason & Travis Growing Up
During the Mother’s Day episode of “New Heights,” Kylie Kelce also shared some lighthearted family stories inspired by Jason and Travis’ childhood adventures.
“One thing for sure is no one plays in the car,” Kylie said while discussing household rules she follows with her daughters.
Jason immediately referenced one well-known family story involving Travis accidentally driving a car into a garage.
Kylie also joked about another memorable childhood story.
“Or when someone took a dump in the trunk?” she laughed.
Jason and Travis confirmed that Travis was responsible for that incident as well.
Kylie also revealed she keeps knives carefully stored after hearing stories about the brothers tossing them into the air as kids.
“The only known story is of me, but I’m pretty sure Travis was doing it too,” Jason admitted.
“I got in on some of that fun for sure,” Travis added.
Jason and Kylie currently share four daughters: Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett, and Finnley.
