Chiefs TE Travis Kelce Makes History as First Three-Time Winner of Nationwide Charity Challenge
Travis Kelce has long established himself as one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, but his impact on the Kansas City community is rapidly becoming an equally significant part of his legacy. On Wednesday, Nationwide announced that Kelce is the winner of the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Charity Challenge.
This victory marks a historic milestone for the veteran playmaker. Kelce is now the first NFL player to win the fan-voted challenge three times in the program’s 11 year history. His latest win secures a $35,000 donation for his chosen beneficiary, Operation Breakthrough, an organization that has become synonymous with Kelce’s charitable efforts in the metro area.
A Dynasty of Philanthropy
The Charity Challenge runs parallel to the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. While the latter is selected by a panel of judges, the Charity Challenge is determined entirely by fan support on social media. The results of this year’s voting highlight a specific synergy between the Chiefs roster and their fan base.
A member of the Kansas City Chiefs has now won this challenge in five of the last six seasons. Kelce previously took top honors in the 2020-21 and 2024-25 seasons. His teammates have been equally successful with the fan vote, as safety Tyrann Mathieu won in 2021-22 and quarterback Patrick Mahomes secured the win in 2022-23.
This run of victories suggests that “Chiefs Kingdom” is as mobilized for philanthropic causes as they are for playoff games. The consistent engagement from the fan base has resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing directly into Kansas City nonprofits over the last half-decade.
Supporting Operation Breakthrough
The $35,000 prize from Nationwide will go directly to Operation Breakthrough, a non-profit organization that provides a safe, educational environment for children living in poverty. Kelce’s relationship with the organization is extensive and well documented.
Over the years, Kelce has contributed nearly $2 million to Operation Breakthrough through personal donations and various fundraising initiatives. His most notable contribution was spearheading the “Ignition Lab,” a coworking space and automotive learning center for teens. Since opening in 2020, the lab has served over 1,000 students, offering them hands-on experience in STEM fields that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Following the announcement, the Chiefs shared the news on social media, noting that the honor adds another significant contribution to an organization Kelce cares deeply about.
Kelce addressed the win on the “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother, Jason Kelce. He emphasized that the victory belonged to the fans and the organization.
“It’s Chiefs Kingdom, baby,” Kelce said. “Shoutout to everyone over at OB. You guys know how much I love you and how much you guys mean to me. And it just means everything that the 92%ers and Chiefs Kingdom help support that. It’s all to make these kids right here happy and proud of where they come from.”
The Competition and Future Honors
The voting period for the Charity Challenge ran from December 4 through January 5, pitting nominees from all 32 NFL clubs against one another. While Kelce took the top spot, other players also mobilized their fan bases for good causes.
Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins finished in second place for the second consecutive year, earning $10,000 for his charity. Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata finished third, securing a $5,000 donation.
It is important to note that winning the Charity Challenge is separate from winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award itself. The Charity Challenge is a social media contest, while the Man of the Year Award is considered the league’s most prestigious honor. It recognizes a player for his excellence on and off the field.
Kelce remains the Chiefs’ nominee for the primary award. The winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live during the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, just days before Super Bowl LX.
For now, however, Kelce stands alone in the record books regarding the Charity Challenge. His ability to rally support for Operation Breakthrough three separate times demonstrates a sustained connection with his community that rivals his consistency between the hash marks. As the Chiefs prepare for the postseason, this award serves as a reminder of the organization’s solidified culture of community impact.
