Travis Kelce’s Charity Work Earns Nationwide Support as Fans Rally Behind His Mission

The NFL star secures a major fan-voted win for his foundation amid continued recognition for his impact beyond the field

Travis Kelce’s influence extends far beyond the football field, and recent events have underscored just how deeply his charitable efforts resonate with fans across the country. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has won the Nationwide Charity Challenge fan vote, a distinction tied to the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award—further amplifying support for his nonprofit organization, 87 & Running.

The announcement was made during the January 7 episode of New Heights, the podcast Kelce co-hosts with his brother, former NFL center Jason Kelce. The victory marks a meaningful milestone, securing additional funding for 87 & Running, a foundation dedicated to empowering underserved youth through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and enrichment programs throughout the United States.

“You’re the only player to win the Charity Challenge every time you’ve been nominated as the club’s Walter Payton Man of the Year,” Jason Kelce noted proudly while sharing the news.

Reflecting on the journey, Travis Kelce revisited moments from his career spent working with young people through the foundation. “We’ve been doing this since the beginning of my career,” he said. “It’s cool to see some of these familiar faces grow into high school kids. It’s awesome.”

Founded on Kelce’s belief in access and opportunity, 87 & Running has been a cornerstone of his off-field legacy. The foundation’s mission centers on helping young people build confidence and skills, particularly in communities that lack resources. That commitment has drawn strong public backing, especially following Kelce’s nomination as the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award candidate—an honor reserved for players who demonstrate exceptional community impact.

In recent weeks, aspects of the charity’s financial reporting came under scrutiny following a media report that examined tax filings associated with several nominees. Questions were raised regarding spending allocations, though those close to Kelce emphasized that the filings did not fully reflect the foundation’s long-term commitments or funding structure. According to those familiar with the organization, Kelce himself has historically been its primary funder, and certain charitable expenses were grouped under broad categories rather than itemized in detail.

The foundation has also committed $800,000 to the communities it serves over the next three years—funds that will be reflected in financial records as they are deployed. With those commitments accounted for, more than 80 percent of the foundation’s resources are directed toward charitable causes, and updates to reporting practices have already been implemented to ensure greater transparency going forward.

Kelce’s nomination places him among 32 NFL players being considered for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the league’s highest honor for community service. The winner will be announced on February 6 during the NFL Honors ceremony.

The Chiefs marked Kelce’s nomination with a heartfelt video shared on social media, featuring the star speaking about his roots and the values that shaped him. He credited his parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, for providing a supportive upbringing and spoke fondly of growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

“It was such a melting pot of social class and race and religion,” Kelce said. “I was able to relate to all those kids growing up. I don’t care what you look like or where you come from—I’m going to be friendly and lend a helping hand.”

As fans continue to rally behind his charitable vision, Kelce’s Nationwide Charity Challenge win stands as a powerful affirmation of his impact. Whether on the field or in the community, his commitment to lifting others remains a defining part of his legacy.