This is Kelce’s second time being nominated for the award
TRAVIS Kelce has become overwhelmed with emotions after being nominated for a prestigious award.
He is the Kansas City Chiefs nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
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Travis Kelce has been nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year awardCredit: Getty
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Kelce was emotional speaking about his charity work in Kansas CityCredit: AP
Every season, each NFL team nominates one of their players to receive the special award.
“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field,” the NFL website reads.
“The award was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton.
“Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community, with one winner selected from the 32 nominees.
“Each year, nominees are recognized beginning in Week 14 with a WPMOY trophy silhouette helmet decal applied through the end of the season.
“In addition, all current players who have received this esteemed award are honored with a trophy silhouette patch on the front of their jerseys.”
This is Kelce’s second nomination for his work in the community, and he got emotional speaking about it on the New Heights podcast.
“I don’t do it for the awards, I don’t do it for acknowledgement,” he said while holding back tears.
“I do it for the smiles on the kids’ faces at The Ignition Lab and at Operation Breakthrough.”
Kelce runs The Ignition Lab and Operation Breakthrough as a way to help underserved youth learn life skills.
If he wins the award in February, Kelce will receive a $265,000 donation from the NFL for his charity.
The Chiefs tight end spoke more about his charitable endeavors in an official statement after his nomination.
“I’m truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special,” Kelce said.
“Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner.
“It’s been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven & Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab.
“To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I’ll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity.
“Being able to give back to the community here in Kansas City as well as show love to my hometown is not something I’ll ever take for granted.
“I’m forever grateful to represent Kansas City, the Hunt family, our fans and my foundation, and it’s an honor to be nominated.”
Chiefs fans were thrilled to see their superstar getting recognized for his volunteer work, and congratulated him on social media.
“Being nominated is a huge honor! Well done!” one fan said.
“Bring it home, Trav!” another fan said.
“Congratulations Travis I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more,” a third fan said.