Famous athletes all over the world have found a new way to rake in dough, and it’s not just from being at the top of their game. An increasing number of the most-followed NFL players are turning to content creation and leveraging their personal brands to reach a broader audience.
Let’s take a look at what we can learn from the success of two popular NFL players: Anyone can grow wealth from having an audience.
We can count on them to bring new ideas to the table consistently
The Kelce Brothers: NFL Stars Turned Creators
Travis Kelce, a standout tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his brother Jason Kelce, the center for the Philadelphia Eagles, are known for their prowess on the football field.
However, what sets them apart is their venture into content creation. They have a podcast called New Heights, and it’s not just any podcast: it’s consistently ranked among the top five in the sports category:
With an Instagram following of 4.6 million and counting, Travis Kelce has a massive audience that extends beyond the NFL fan base:
The brothers don’t just rely on their fame to grow their digital presence. They have cultivated this audience through hard work and dedication to their craft. Their podcast New Heights brings in substantial revenue from merchandising and commands up to 100% higher CPMs than the industry standard.
These brothers are not just creating content for the fun of it. They’ve established lucrative partnerships with brands like DraftKings, LinkedIn and Athletic Greens. Their journey highlights the power of content creation as a means of income and influence.
Content Creators, Don’t Make This Mistake!
There is an emerging trend where people from various backgrounds are recognizing the potential of content creation in today’s digital landscape. The ability to turn an audience into a source of income makes more practical sense than your everyday 9-5 job (if you have the audience, that is).
What a lot of people fail to realize until they’re further in the game is that they should start building an audience as early as they can.
Those who already have a following are well-positioned to leverage it. This concept applies to anyone, not the most-followed NFL players. Whether you’re a marketer, an entrepreneur or an enthusiast of a particular niche, having an audience can open doors to various opportunities.
The adage “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is now” rings true in content creation, too. Procrastination can be a significant barrier to success.
Waiting for the “perfect” moment often results in missed opportunities and mistakes you could’ve avoided. If you’re passionate about something and want to share it with the world, start today.
The Burnout Factor of Content Creation
Creators, regardless of their level of success, frequently encounter the burnout phenomenon. Even individuals with substantial followings can reach a point where they feel overwhelmed by the relentless demands of content creation.
A very real example of this is Jake Paul, a well-known YouTuber with millions of subscribers. Despite his massive following, Jake made the tough decision to step back from content creation. He admitted that he couldn’t keep up with the competition from other top creators, and the constant pressure took a toll on his well-being.
Burnout is a common challenge for creators, but it doesn’t spell the end of your creative journey. Taking breaks, recharging, and returning with fresh ideas can lead to a resurgence in creativity and renewed enthusiasm for your craft.
Despite What You Think, You Don’t Need to Be Famous Right Away
The achievements of the Kelce brothers and countless creators across various niches reinforce a powerful message:
You don’t need celebrity status to thrive as a content creator.
The path to content creation success is accessible to everyone. You don’t have to be a household name or have a massive following to create a significant impact in the area of your expertise. All you need is to be passionate and competent with the topic you want to discuss, offer a little flavor with your unique spin on things, and you’ll inevitably attract an audience over time.
Just because it doesn’t happen immediately, doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
And more to the point: Choosing which topic to talk about is key. Creating material for a broad and generic audience is challenging to monetize. That’s why you need to pick one thing and focus hard on it.
Whether it’s NFL players discussing football, marketers sharing industry trends and insights or fashion enthusiasts offering advice on what’s trending, passion and expertise will eventually lead to growing a loyal audience that cares about what you have to say.
Last Thoughts on How the Most-Followed NFL Players Succeed
The landscape of content creation is continually evolving.
NFL players like the Kelce brothers have shown that even individuals from traditional careers can find success as content creators. The key is to start early, remain passionate and choose a niche that aligns with your interests. And burnout is a real concern, so taking breaks and returning with fresh ideas is a good idea for any creator.
Today, anyone can become a content creator. It’s not about being famous. It’s about being authentic, passionate and dedicated to building an audience around something you love. So whether you’re into football, marketing, fashion or any other niche, there’s a path for you in the world of content creation.
Start today, and who knows where your passion might lead you!
If you’re ready to level up your content creation for enhanced brand visibility, Single Grain’s content creation experts can help!👇
For more insights and lessons about marketing, check out our Marketing School podcast on YouTube.
