If there's a single word that sums up Travis Kelce's career in every sense, "impactful" comes to mind. On the field, his future Hall of Fame candidacy is one of the NFL's most obvious among active players, a tight end who continues to reinvent the possibilities at the position. Historic metrics and franchise records tell the tale there.
But Kelce's impact off the field is just as important—perhaps even more so. The Kansas City Chiefs' legend has maintained charitable priorities for as long as he's been in the region with his own organization, Eighty-Seven & Running, that's extended its mission into his home of northern Ohio as well.
From his work with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater K.C. to the Kelce Car Jam, Kelce's impact is felt in myriad ways. But specifically, his commitment to Operation Breakthrough has allowed him to drill down and help at-risk youth in the region in multiple ways.
Kelce was recently honored as the Chiefs' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and spoke about his heart for the organization. "I'm not going to lie, it's one of the most proud things that I've been a part of since I've been here in Kansas City, is my foundational work with Operation Breakthrough."
Travis Kelce’s impact goes far beyond the field, driven by years of deeply rooted work with Operation Breakthrough.
"Man, my first day at Operation Breakthrough, I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was reading Dr. Seuss' book on Dr. Seuss' birthday, and I got the opportunity to see what Operation Breakthrough was. And man, what a hidden gem that is.
"Not enough people know about what they have going on over there, how the Kansas City community supports what they have going on over there. And it's really a safe haven for kids and families all over the east side or all over Kansas City that really looks out for each other. It's a family over there, and it's so beautiful."
Kelce realized that Operation Breakthrough's mission to aid children and their families at pivotal moments could be enhanced with more resources. He went to work, inspired by reflecting on his own needs in adolescence and beyond.
"I went over there, and it was only kindergarten or preschool through eighth grade, and I was asking everyone around there, man, my high school years were such a big part of my development and my growth. I feel like it could be so much more than what it is now," said Kelce.
"That's when I really gravitated towards a foundation and wanting to give back to that specific organization. It's really just an opportunity for kids to have things that they've reached that they wouldn't have otherwise, something that they can gravitate towards, a career field that they didn't even know they loved. It's very mind-blowing stuff what these kids are doing with what's at their disposal. It's a beautiful thing."
Kelce was also the Chiefs' nominee for the award in 2024, but Arik Armstead was named the NFL's winner. The last time a Chiefs player won the official Walter Payton Man of the Year was offensive lineman Brian Waters in 2009.