top of page
Search

Travis Kelce: Building the Community

  • Writer: Aiden Cho
    Aiden Cho
  • Jan 31, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 22, 2024

1/31/2024



Although Travis Kelce is commonly regarded as one of the most excellent NFL tight ends in history, in recent days, however, the media seems to be more interested in his burgeoning relationship with singer Taylor Swift than any of his on-field accomplishments. But beyond his duties as a tight end and the spotlight of his new celebrity relationship, Travis Kelce works in the battle for childhood equity.


Kelce founded his foundation, Eighty Seven and Running in 2015. He credits the inspiration to begin the organization to his “melting pot” upbringing in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He wished to equal the playing field for people of diverse economic backgrounds. He said the foundation provided, “the advantages and extracurricular opportunities to find something that they love.” 


To cover the most bases in the battle for equity, the foundation hosts multiple programs. One of the earliest was the “Stem Ignition Lab” which provides a safe space for kids aged 14-18 to experiment and pursue interests in STEM. It was built in an underserviced Kansas City neighborhood. Students there venture into coding, robotics, and product design, among other fields. The program highlights that it prepares youth coming through it for their futures. The facility provides expensive and otherwise inaccessible equipment to underprivileged kids in the area. Kelce described the program, “This place, this safe haven, is for them to really dream big and really be anything they want to be. I see so much of myself and my friends growing up in these kids and this community, and I just want to make sure these kids have everything they could ever ask for.”


Another one of their programs involves the University of Cincinnati’s mental health resources. Being both Travis Kelce’s and his brother Eagles center Jason Kelce’s Alma Mater, he noted the difficulty he had balancing his athletic and academic life. He regarded firstly the transition from high school to college as challenging and struggled with the “little room for error” as a student-athlete. Kelce credits his brother as being his support system through his collegiate career but understands that others may not be as lucky. He, therefore, partnered with the school to provide a grant for and partner with the school’s sports psychology and counseling department. This provision would ensure that the 300 or so University of Cincinnati Student-athletes would have dedicated mental health staff to act as their support systems, much like his older brother Jason did for him. The foundation also provides aid for their old high school, Cleveland Heights High School. Travis Kelce credits his high school’s diverse student body and community as giving him the insight to tackle equity


Even during the busy football season as the Cheifs once again close in on the NFL playoffs, Kelce is finding time to serve his community. Kelce heard through one of his teammates that an elderly Kansas City woman Gloria White was in desperate need of house repairs. White had lived in the same house for 56 years and was an important figure in the community. She was the first African American cheerleader at her middle school in Kansas and competed in the Olympic trials. Despite the crippling infrastructure of her house, she refused to leave it as she valued her place in the community too much, saying, “They know Miss Gloria. I am about people.” 


White contacted the organization Rebuilding Together Kansas City in hopes they would pay for her repairs. The organization offers essential repair coverage to homes in the Kansas City area. But Kelce, feeling inclined to aid the respected and long-tenured Ms. White, personally covered the costs of the repairs.

 

Similarly to his quarterback and multi-Super Bowl-winning mate Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce devotes substantial effort to philanthropy and community aid. He goes beyond what is expected of someone as busy and high-profile as himself. He is regarded as one of the top players in the league and has reached beyond athlete celebrity status via his podcast and relationship with Taylor Swift, but he still takes action in fighting for equality. Travis Kelce embodies the charitable and proactive spirit that more people in his position should feel obligated to partake in.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Works Cited



Neumann, Sean. "Travis Kelce Helps Save Kansas City Resident's Home of Over 56 Years: 'This Meant the World.'" People.com, 12 Jan. 2024, people.com/travis-kelce-saves-kansas-city-residents-home-of-over-56-years-8425738.


Ritschel, Chelsea. "Travis Kelce helps repair home Kansas City resident has lived in for 56 years." Independent.co.uk, 12 Jan. 2024, www.independent.co.uk/life-style/travis-kelce-kansas-city-home-b2477947.html.


"Travis Kelce's 87 & Running Foundation." Youtube, uploaded by Eighty Seven & Running, 25 Aug. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=hldjybl_TBE&ab_channel=Eighty-Seven%26Running.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page