Ross Travis had an unusual path to professional football. He started as a basketball player before making a bold move to the NFL. His journey from playing at Penn State University to becoming an NFL tight end was unexpected. Despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent, he played for teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions. 

His NFL career earnings and smart financial choices have contributed to his financial stability. Many fans want to know how much wealth he has built. Ross Travis estimated athlete net worth is between $1 million and $1.5 million. This article will explore his career, earnings, and life after retirement from the NFL.

Profile Summary

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Ross John Travis
Date of Birth	January 9, 1993
Age	32 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Chaska, Minnesota
Height	6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters)
Weight	235 lbs (107 kg)
Profession	Former NFL tight end
College	Penn State University
NFL Debut	2015 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Teams Played For	Chiefs, Colts, Jets, Cardinals, Browns, Lions
Career Earnings	Estimated $2.6 million
Net Worth	$1 million – $1.5 million
Current Status	Retired from professional football

Social Media Presence

Platform	Followers
Instagram	90K
Twitter	3K

Early Life and Education

Ross Travis was born in Chaska, Minnesota, and showed athletic talent from a young age. He attended Chaska High School, where he became a standout basketball player. His height, agility, and skills made him one of the best in his school.

He continued his education at Penn State University, focusing on college basketball. He played for four years, competing at the highest level. Many believed he would pursue a professional basketball career. However, he made a surprising decision that would change his life.

College Basketball Career

At Penn State University, Travis was known for his rebounding and defensive abilities. He played 131 games and averaged 6.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His aggressive playstyle and size made him a key player for his team.

Though he was talented, he was not drafted into the NBA. Instead, he looked for other opportunities in professional sports. His athletic ability caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading him to a completely new career path.

Ross Travis Transition to the NFL

Despite never playing college football, Ross Travis decided to enter the NFL. In 2015, the Kansas City Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent. His basketball background helped him develop into a tight end, a position that required size, speed, and agility.

Adjusting to football was not easy. He had to learn the game from scratch. However, his hard work and dedication paid off. He proved himself on the field and continued to develop his skills.

Ross Travis NFL Career and Earnings

Ross Travis played in the NFL for six years, representing several teams. He started with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent two seasons. He later played for the Indianapolis Colts, earning his highest salary during this time. Travis had brief stints with the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions.

His total NFL career earnings are estimated at $2.6 million. The breakdown of his earnings is as follows:

Team	Years Played	Estimated Earnings
Kansas City Chiefs	2015-2017	$883,976
Indianapolis Colts	2017-2019	$940,589
New York Jets	2019	$497,646
Arizona Cardinals	2020	$235,000
Cleveland Browns & Lions	2021	$111,000

Unlike many other NFL tight ends, he did not receive a large signing bonus. Most of his contracts were non-guaranteed. This meant he had to prove himself constantly to stay in the league.

Ross Travis Net Worth

As of 2025, Ross Travis’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million. His earnings came mainly from his NFL career, but he also benefited from endorsements and other financial decisions.

The key factors influencing his athlete net worth include:

• NFL Salaries – Over $2.6 million earned during his professional football career.
• Endorsements – While not heavily sponsored, he likely had small deals.
• Investments – He may have invested part of his earnings in businesses or real estate.
• Post-NFL Work – Potential new ventures after retiring from professional football.

His financial journey shows how an undrafted free agent can still build wealth through smart money management.

Ross Travis and His Friendship with Travis Kelce

Ross Travis and Travis Kelce share more than just a connection through football. Their friendship started when Travis joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2015. While he was adjusting to life as a professional football player, Kelce was already an established star. Despite their different career paths, the two formed a close bond, often training together and spending time off the field. Their camaraderie became evident to fans, as they were frequently seen joking around in interviews and celebrating each other’s successes.

Even after Ross Travis’ NFL career saw him move between multiple teams like the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, his connection with Kelce remained strong. Their friendship has continued beyond football, with Travis often seen supporting Kelce at various events. 

He has been part of Kelce’s inner circle, appearing in social media posts and making public appearances with him at high-profile events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Their bond has kept Ross Travis relevant in the sports world, despite his retirement from the NFL. Many fans speculate that their friendship might lead to future business or media collaborations, as Kelce himself has expanded his brand beyond the gridiron.

Life After Football

Since his retirement from the NFL, Travis has stayed active in the sports world. He remains close friends with Travis Kelce, often attending high-profile events with him. He even made headlines for being spotted at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts, fueling curiosity about his social life.

There is speculation about what he will do next. He could pursue a career in coaching, sports media, or business. Many retired players use their experience to help younger athletes. Whether he returns to football or explores a different path, his presence in the public eye remains strong.

Conclusion

Ross Travis took an unconventional path to the NFL, proving that talent and determination can open unexpected doors. His transition from college basketball to professional football was challenging, but he adapted quickly. His NFL career earnings and financial discipline have allowed him to maintain financial stability.

With an estimated net worth of $1 million – $1.5 million, he has secured his future beyond football. Whether he remains in the sports industry or explores new ventures, his story is an inspiring example of resilience and smart career decisions.

FAQs

What is Ross Travis estimated net worth?

His net worth is estimated between $1 million and $1.5 million as of 2025.

Did Ross Travis play college football?

No, he played college basketball at Penn State University before transitioning to professional football.

What NFL teams did Ross Travis play for?

He played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions.

How did Ross Travis make his money?

He earned most of his wealth through NFL contracts, endorsements, and potential investments.

What is Ross Travis doing after retiring from the NFL?

He remains active in public life, attending high-profile events and staying connected with the sports world.