Travis Kelce gets emotional in message over latest venture following $34 million Kansas City Chiefs contract

Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has shared his reasons for being committed to giving back to his community.

This week, Kelce’s team announced his nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Players who thrive on the field and show a strong dedication to making a good effect outside of the game are recognized with the league’s most prestigious award.

Every year, a player from each NFL team gets nominated, and Kelce is one of 32.

In an emotional video for theChiefson Thursday, the 35-year-old, who frequently participates in the charitable organization Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City and has his own foundation, 87 and Running, talked about his passion for giving back.

He remarked: “My parents and the home environment in which I was raised were the main reasons for my lovely childhood.

“The east side of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is a racial, religious, and socioeconomic melting pot. Growing up, I was able to identify with all of those children and truly value each one for who they were.

“Regardless of your appearance or background, I will be approachable and willing to assist. I simply don’t know how else to accomplish it.

I launched my nonprofit, 87 and Running, in 2015. I made it because I genuinely wanted to show the city how much I cared, just like I do on Sundays.

“Operation Breakthrough is amazing. Every visitor departs feeling deeply grateful for the work that organization conducts helping the underprivileged in the Kansas City area.

“I understood that this was my chance to assist them extend Operation Breakthrough through high school and give the high school students even more chances to connect with something they would find appealing when I was awarded that contract.

“Watching the kids truly get it is amazing, and it’s a lovely thing to be a part of. Knowing that I can influence the community and the children in the community to do the right things has improved me as a person and a man.

“At the end of the day, that’s something I can hang my hat on.”

Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said on Kelce’s nomination: “Travis Kelce has developed into one of the most dynamic players in football over the last 12 years, both on and off the field.

“He is one of the best tight ends in NFL history, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and a nine-time Pro Bowler.

In addition, he is an amazing leader who inspires football fans worldwide and serves as an example for young people in Kansas City.

Travis has changed the lives of thousands of young people in the Kansas City area and beyond with his new Ignition Lab, the expanding Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation, and his collaboration with Operation Breakthrough.

“Very few athletes in the game’s history have managed to combine community involvement, individual recognition, and team success to the same degree.

“The Chiefs organization and the Kansas City community are proud to have Travis as the club’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.”

The accomplishments of each of the 32 nominees will be honored in the week preceding Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

On February 6, during NFL Honors, the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award winner will be revealed.

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