The escalating cost of attending NFL games, particularly the Super Bowl, has become a significant financial burden, even for the families of the players themselves. The average regular season ticket price in 2023 soared to over $375, while Super Bowl LVIII tickets reached a record-breaking average of $8,000. This exorbitant pricing has sparked public discussion and even forced some players’ families to make difficult choices about attending the games. The issue highlights a growing disparity between the immense revenue generated by the NFL and the accessibility of the sport for those closest to the players.
The experiences of several NFL families illustrate the pervasive nature of this issue. Lisa McCaffrey, mother of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, openly admitted her inability to afford a Super Bowl suite, despite her son’s substantial income. This revelation, coupled with the subsequent surprise gift of a suite from Christian’s fiancée Olivia Culpo, underscores the stark reality of Super Bowl ticket prices. Donna Kelce, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Eagles center Jason Kelce, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significant cost of bringing children to the Super Bowl, even infants who require a full-priced ticket despite not occupying a seat.
The financial strain extends beyond Super Bowl attendance. Sydney Warner, wife of 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, clarified that players do not receive free tickets for all games, only discounted rates for some seats. Kylie Kelce, Jason Kelce’s wife, expressed her frustration with the nearly $4,000 cost of a Super Bowl ticket for their young daughter, who would likely not even remain seated. Even former players like Britton Colquitt faced the dilemma of purchasing a full-priced ticket for his newborn daughter to attend the Super Bowl with the rest of the family.
These anecdotes paint a picture of a system where even those closest to the game struggle to afford attendance. Players themselves are acutely aware of the financial burden on their families. Travis Kelce humorously lamented the significant expense of providing Super Bowl tickets for his loved ones. Orlando Brown Jr. criticized the NFL for exploiting players’ families, particularly those in the public eye, by setting exorbitant ticket prices. He urged the league to make suites more affordable, highlighting the need for greater consideration for players and their families.
The issue isn’t limited to Super Bowl attendance. Chanen Johnson, wife of Saints tight end Juwan Johnson, debunked the misconception of free family rooms in stadiums, explaining the substantial cost of suites, which can range from $20,000 to $50,000. This illustrates the ongoing financial commitment required for families to watch their loved ones play, even during the regular season. The situation prompted Kelly Stafford, wife of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, to purchase hundreds of NFC Championship game tickets for fans struggling with the high prices.
The collective experiences of these NFL families expose a widening gap between the increasingly lucrative business of professional football and the accessibility of the game for those directly connected to the players. The exorbitant cost of tickets, especially for marquee events like the Super Bowl, creates a financial barrier for many, even those within the NFL community. This raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the current system, particularly when players’ families, who are integral to their support system, are priced out of attending games. The stories shared by these individuals underscore the need for a more equitable approach to ticket pricing that considers the financial realities faced by players’ families and fans alike. The NFL’s continued growth and prosperity should ideally translate to greater accessibility for all who contribute to the sport’s success, including the families of the players who dedicate their lives to the game.
