The National Football League announced that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the winner of the 2025 Charity Challenge for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. This is the second time Kelce’s won the award in his career.
Thanks to you guys, @tkelce has been awarded a $35,000 donation to his charity, @87running
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 8, 2025
The Walter Payton Man of the Year is an award that recognizes the impact players make on their respective communities. All 32 teams were allowed to nominate one player for the award – Kelce was Kansas City’s choice this year, the second time he’s earned the nomination.
The charity challenge gives fans the chance to vote for their favorite players. The winner of the challenge is given a $35,000 donation to his charity. Fans could post on X or vote on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear.
Although Kelce has never won the award itself, he’s won the charity challenge after having the most votes after the deadline on January 6. Kelce last won the challenge during the 2020-21 NFL season. Kelce’s work in the community is recognized through his charity Eight-Seven and Running, which is a nonprofit that works to provide opportunities for growth and learning to children in need in the Kansas City area.
Chiefs Kingdom, you helped this champ win the #WPMOYChallenge presented by @Nationwide!
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 8, 2025pic.twitter.com/zY6EhxZ5Re
Kelce’s foundation also works closely with Operation Breakthrough another nonprofit in Kansas City that helps disadvantaged youth. The two came together to create the Ignition Lab, which provides real-world STEM experiences for teens.
Kelce is the first player in the program’s 10-year history to win the Charity Challenge more than once. He is the third Chiefs player to win the award. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes won the challenge in 2022, and former Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu won it in 2021.
The winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award will be announced during the NFL Honors ceremony on February 6.
