In addition to the honors program, Kelce hosted and joined other events around the week. He and his older brother Jason Kelce hosted The New Heights Party at Thriller Country Club on February 4, and he is co-hosting a Tight End University party, “Tight Ends & Friends,” with George Kittle and Greg Olsen at Public Works on February 5.
Kelce attended the 15th NFL Honors at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco ahead of the big game. While the Chiefs still recognized him as their Walter Payton Man of the Year representative—an honor they have conferred on him multiple times—Kelce did not win the national WPMOY Award this year, as Wagner was selected instead.
The fundraising and charity component of the event remains a key focus for Kelce. He has been the only nominee to win the Walter Payton Charity three times, earning a $35,000 donation to a charity of his choice with each win; his chosen recipient for this year’s charity challenge was Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab in Kansas City. The national WPMOY prize carries a $250,000 charitable donation to the winner’s chosen cause.
Beyond the awards, Kelce’s foundation work continues to draw attention. Eighty-Seven & Running has committed more than $800,000 to communities over the next three years, with substantial portions directed toward charitable programs. Earlier reporting on the foundation highlighted ongoing questions about 990 filings, but sources indicate changes to reporting and operations have since been implemented to ensure funds are accurately directed and disclosed.
Kelce expressed gratitude for his KC connection and the opportunity to give back, noting the importance of his support system and the people around him. He emphasized his ongoing involvement with Eighty-Seven & Running and Operation Breakthrough, underscoring how his upbringing in Cleveland Heights shaped his commitment to family, community, and charity as he balances football with philanthropy ahead of the next season.
