Kelce named Chiefs representative for NFL’s most prestigious honor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has once again earned the organization’s honor as the club’s winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

The award is the NFL’s most prestigious honor, and goes to players who excel on the field while demonstrating a commitment to creating a positive impact off the field as well. Kelce is one of the 32 club nominees, and was also the Chiefs’ representative for the award in 2024.

“Travis Kelce has been an influential part of the Kansas City community since his arrival 13 years ago,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “He is a leader in every sense of the word. Over the course of his career, Travis has rewritten the franchise record book and earned an unprecedented ten consecutive Pro Bowl selections. During that time, he has united our community and inspired our fans while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.”

Kelce’s Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation and work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab has helped the next generation of Kansas City youth have a brighter future.

“To be chosen as the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is such a great honor. I have so much love for Kansas City and the Chiefs organization, and to be selected once again means everything to me,” Kelce said. “The opportunity to be involved and help kids through Eighty-Seven & Running and working with Operation Breakthrough as well as Ignition Lab has been such a tremendous experience.”

[ Chiefs’ Josh Simmons heading to injured reserve due to wrist injuryOpens in new window ]

Kelce and the other 31 team winners will be honored during the week of Super Bowl 60 in the Bay Area. The winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award will be announced during NFL Honors on Feb. 5.

A charitable beneficiary chosen by Kelce as the Chiefs’ club winner will receive $40,000 and the nonprofit chosen by the NFL’s national winner will receive $250,000.

In Week 12, when the NFL conducted its My Cause, My Cleats campaign, Kelce wore cleats that represented Operation Breakthrough and were designed by students from the program.

Kelce’s selection as the Chiefs representative comes during his 13th season in the NFL. This year, Kelce has 59 receptions for 719 yards and 5 touchdowns. The four-time All-Pro tight end also broke the Chiefs’ all-time touchdowns record earlier this year.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.