Travis Kelce Wins 2024 Kansas City Sportsman of the Year: 'I Appreciate You Guys Big Time'

Mar. 15, 2025

Travis Kelce #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs.Photo:Perry Knotts/Getty

Perry Knotts/Getty

Congratulations are in order forTravis 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.

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.

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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 avideoshared on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Travis Kelce.Jamie Squire/Getty

Jamie Squire/Getty

“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.

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 parentsDonna and Edin Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Donna and Travis Kelce.Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

“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 Jasonscored a landmark nine-figure, three-year dealwith 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 ofNew 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.

source: people.com