Mandy
It has been a whirlwind few days for Travis Kelce, the star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs. After choosing not to participate in the Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Kelce spent Wednesday morning competing in a pro-am golf tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Later that same day, he traveled to San Francisco to attend a Super Bowl-related event connected to his popular New Heights podcast.
Kelce Attends NFL Honors Ceremony
On Thursday night, Kelce appeared at the NFL Honors ceremony held at the Palace of Fine Arts. He was among the 32 players nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, marking the second consecutive year he earned this recognition.
Each NFL team selects one nominee annually for the award, which celebrates players who make a meaningful difference in their communities. The honor is named after Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton and highlights service, leadership, and philanthropy off the field.
Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation Impact
Kelce’s nomination stemmed from his work through the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation, which has generated millions of dollars to support underserved communities in Kansas City.
The foundation focuses on helping disadvantaged youth succeed by providing opportunities and resources across education, business, athletics, STEM, and the arts.
One of the foundation’s standout initiatives is the Ignition Lab, developed in partnership with Operation Breakthrough. This Kansas City-based development center offers teenagers a space to learn, grow, and build skills that prepare them for long-term success.
Bobby Wagner Takes Home The Award
Despite his impactful efforts, Kelce did not win the award this year. The honor went to Bobby Wagner, a linebacker for the Washington Commanders. Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowler, has dedicated his charitable work to stroke awareness, research, and rehabilitation, inspired by the memory of his late mother, Phenia Mae.
Respectful Moment Backstage
Shortly after the award presentation, Kelce and Wagner met backstage. Kelce warmly hugged Wagner and personally congratulated him, expressing genuine pride and happiness for his fellow nominee’s achievement.
The Chiefs later shared a video of the touching interaction on Instagram, capturing the mutual respect between the two stars.
Sportsmanship Beyond Awards
Although Kelce has now missed out on the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for a second straight year, his reaction reflected true sportsmanship. Rather than disappointment, he chose to celebrate Wagner’s accomplishment and recognize the importance of the cause behind the award.
Alongside the other 30 nominees, both players continue to make a lasting positive impact beyond football.
While Travis Kelce did not claim the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, his response highlighted what the honor truly represents—community service, humility, and leadership.
By congratulating Bobby Wagner and acknowledging his meaningful work, Kelce reinforced the idea that the real victory lies in changing lives, not collecting trophies.