Travis Kelce’s heightened celebrity status has his business managers on high alert.
The Chiefs tight end, who has been under a microscope since going public with his relationship with Taylor Swift in October, is just about everywhere these days — from starring in commercials for Pfizer, Experian and DirecTV, to landing the cover of WSJ. Magazine.
Kelce’s big year in 2023 has his business managers, André and Aaron Eanes of A&A Management, “considering a potential area of concern: over-saturation,” according to The New York Times, which published an interview with the 34-year-old twin brothers on Tuesday.
“Is there too much of Mr. Kelce on television and in the news, and could fans grow numb to the sight of him?” the outlet questioned before explaining the Eanes brothers’ plan for Kelce’s off-field presence for 2024.
“The plan for next year revolves around one word: curation. Fewer deals. Quality over quantity. Authenticity first,” The Times wrote.
And “maybe a few less commercials.”
The Eanes siblings explained that their plan for Kelce’s fame outside of football has been years in the making.
That said, Kelce’s profile has skyrocketed in the wake of his burgeoning romance with pop superstar Swift.
The relationship has become a sports and pop culture phenomenon, with Swift sending social media into a spiral following her first Chiefs gameday appearance in September.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after defeating the Chicago Bears at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in front of Taylor Swift on September 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.Getty Images
The Chiefs’ continued success, most notably their February 2023 Super Bowl win, has also contributed to his fame.
“The awareness of Travis is much larger and with an even broader audience,” said Richard Lovett, C.A.A.’s co-chairman, amid Kelce’s high-profile romance. “It’s accelerated that which was probably inevitable in terms of his level of awareness and appeal.”
Though the glare of the spotlight has intensified, Kelce’s inner circle insists fame has not changed him and he’s focused on football more than ever, according to The New York Times.
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.Getty Images
Kelce is A&A Management’s second client ever, and the Eanes brothers hope to make the All-Pro NFLer as famous as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
“People say to me, ‘Man, it’s been a crazy year,’” Aaron Eanes said. “When I say, ‘Actually, it’s not that crazy,’ people look at me funny. It’s because it’s easy when you have a plan. We’re executing that plan.”
André Eanes elaborated on their plan for Kelce.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Miracle Christmas popup bar in Kansas City in December 2023.X
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce kiss at Miracle Christmas popup bar in Kansas City in December 2023.X
“We positioned Travis to be world-famous,” André Eanes said. “We didn’t know how it would happen, or when it would happen, or what would help push that further along. But it’s always been the thought in the back of our minds.”
Kelce’s other team includes a creative strategist, a community outreach coordinator, a Los Angeles-based publicist, a personal chef and a trainer.
He also has four football agents, led by Mike Simon at VMG.
The 34-year-old Kelce, who hosted “Saturday Night Live” after the Chiefs beat the Eagles in Super Bowl 2023, signed with Creative Artists Agency in the spring in pursuit of more acting gigs.
The Eanes brothers also helped coordinate Kelce Inc. Film scripts and said game shows are a consideration.
