The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Travis Kelce has been nominated for a prestigious NFL award as the tight end has a chance to add to his legacy.
It was announced that Kelce is the Chiefs’ selection for the Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year Award. The accolade is the leagues most prestigious honor with the achievement recognizing players who have created a positive effect beyond the game as well as their contribution on the field.
Kelce is one of 32 nominees, with each club getting a selection. The Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt explained the franchises decision as he lauded Kelces work through his various programs and foundations as a true role model. “Over the past 12 years, Travis Kelce has grown into one of the most dynamic individuals in all of football, both on and off the field,” Hunt said.
“He’s a three-time Super Bowl Champion, a nine- time Pro Bowler and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He’s also a tremendous leader, a role model for young people in Kansas City and an inspiration to football fans around the world.
Through his new Ignition Lab, the growing Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation and his partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Travis has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Kansas City region and beyond.
Hunt continued: Very few athletes in the history of the game have balanced the same level of team success, individual accolades and community engagement. 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.”
Kelce reacted to his nomination by revealing his pride in going up for the award. “I’m truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special,” Kelce said.
“Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner. It’s been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven & Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab.
To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I’ll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity.
Being able to give back to the community here in Kansas City as well as show love to my hometown is not something I’ll ever take for granted. I’m forever grateful to represent Kansas City, the Hunt family, our fans and my foundation, and it’s an honor to be nominated.”
Kelce established the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation in 2015, with the name in reference to his jersey number. He was first nominated for the Walter Peyton Award in 2020 and has since partnered with after-school program Operation Breakthrough, working with some of the most impoverished community members of Kansas City. The 35-year-old also set up the Ignition Lab in 2020 as an extension of Operation Breakthrough helping inner-city students gain real-world experience and life skills.
Each nominee from the 32 teams will receive up to $55,000, and the award winner will receive up to a $265,000 donation to their charity of choice. The awards special will air nationally on FOX and the NFL Network on Thursday, February 6. The current holder of the award is Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
