Chiefs Make Travis Kelce Plea Amid 13th NFL Season

If this turns out to be the end of the line for Kelce, then he’s made sure to end his career on a high note. Despite the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Kelce was able to prove this season that he’s still one of the best TEs out there.

In 16 games played this term, Kelce has produced 73 catches for 839 yards and five touchdowns. Earlier this season, he set the all-time record for the most career touchdowns in Chiefs franchise history with 85.

Kelce’s impact extends way beyond the football field. The 12-time Pro Bowler has gone out of his way to help out in the community through his 87 & Running foundation.

On Thursday, the Chiefs took to social media to make a request on behalf of Kelce.

“A pillar in our community ❤️ Vote for Travis for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge to help him win money for his charity, @87running at the link in our bio!” the team posted on Instagram.

This is not the first time the Chiefs have called on the fans to vote for Kelce. However, voting ends on Monday, which is why the team has reiterated its plea.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge allows fans to vote for their favorite among the 32 nominees of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Each team nominates one player for the award, which “recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.”

As part of the campaign, the winner of the fan-voted Charity Challenge will be awarded $35,000 for their designated charity. As of Wednesday, it’s Kelce who leads the voting after four weeks. The Chiefs have reminded fans to submit their votes before the deadline.

While Kelce has not won the award, this is the third time the Chiefs have nominated him for the honor. He was also named the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2020 and 2024.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has been recognized for his tireless work with the 87 & Running foundation, with a mission to “empower disadvantaged youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and cultivating their talent in the areas of education, business, athletics, stem, and the arts.”       

One of Kelce’s biggest projects is the Ignition Lab for Kansas City-based nonprofit Operation Breakthrough. Kelce, through his foundation, funded the establishment of the workforce development center dedicated to teenagers.