The Chiefs star was recognized as the Polsinelli Sportsman of the Year ahead of a new NFL season
Congratulations are in order for Travis Kelce!
Kelce, 34, was named the Polsinelli Sportsman of the Year at the Kansas City Sports Awards on Aug. 27. The Chiefs star was recognized for becoming the NFL’s career leader in postseason receptions after Kansas City’s Super Bowl victory in February.
As Kelce accepted the honor, he walked out onto the stage to “Fight for Your Right” by the Beastie Boys played — a fun nod to his 2024 Super Bowl victory speech.
The Chiefs tight end also participated in a sit-down interview during the 51st annual event at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott Muehlebach Tower, which took place days after he was spotted spending time with girlfriend Taylor Swift in Rhode Island, according to photos obtained by TMZ.
Kelce talked about his foundation, 87 and Running, his new career opportunities outside of football and what Chiefs fans can expect from the upcoming season while speaking at the event.
Kelce also thanked the Kansas City locals and Chiefs fans in attendance ahead of the upcoming NFL season. “I’ve been here 12 years and I love the support,” he said, as seen in a video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“That’s why I came out tonight,” Kelce continued, “to make sure you guys see the face of the people that love you guys just as much as you love them.”
“I appreciate you guys big time,” Kelce added as the crowd cheered for their 2024 Sportsman of the Year.
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When the multi-talented athlete was asked about his foundation 87 & Running during the event, Kelce said he was inspired to support the Kansas City community because he wanted to give underprivileged children in the area “certain things” and “opportunity” to explore their interests and aspirations.
“Growing up, I just had such an unbelievable upbringing of my parents and the community that I grew up in,” he said of his childhood with parents Donna and Ed in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
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“I realized that that wasn’t the same in every city that you went into, so I really wanted to make sure that I gave back to this community and gave kids that didn’t have certain things, the opportunity.”
The honor for Kelce comes just after he and his brother Jason scored a landmark nine-figure, three-year deal with Amazon’s Wondery to distribute their podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce.
In a statement on Aug. 27, the football stars said, “We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of New Heights. We love this show, and the fanbase that has grown with us over the last two seasons.”
Kelce and the Chiefs kick off their NFL season on Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
