Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs is 36 years old, and he’s getting to that age where it would be natural to retire in the NFL. But, Kelce simply has a passion for football, and, let’s face it, he also enjoys being in the spotlight. That’s a recipe for staying in the league as long as possible.
As Kelce makes his retirement decision, he was also nominated for a special award on Thursday, February 5. During the NFL Honors in San Francisco, Kelce was up for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. Last year’s honor went to Arik Armstead.
“The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field,” the NFL states of the honor on its official website. “The award was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community, with one winner selected from the 32 club winners.”
The NFL adds that each season, “club winners are recognized beginning in Week 14 with a WPMOY trophy silhouette helmet decal applied through the end of the season. In addition, all current players who have received this esteemed award are honored with a trophy silhouette patch on the front of their jerseys.”
The winner of the award every season gets up to a $250,000 donation to the charity of his choice, so it’s a sweet deal. Also, all 32 club winners receive up to a $40,000 donation to their charity of choice. All donations come courtesy of the NFL Foundation and Nationwide Foundation.
So, Kelce was up for the award, thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs selecting him. Each team picks a player to be up for the honor. Did he win?
In the end, no, Kelce didn’t win this year. The honor went to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. Accepting his award, he thanked his family, especially his mom, who he called “her rock.”
Kelce closed out the Chiefs’ 2025-26 season by clocking 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, according to NFL research. Those numbers aren’t at his peak, but they’re still solid statistics.
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As for retirement, before the Kansas City Chiefs’ game on Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos, Kelce sat down with NFL legend Tony Gonzalez to talk about his career and upcoming retirement decision.
“I think I’m still searching for those answers,” Kelce said when asked about the decision at the time. “Obviously, the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth.”
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Kelce went on to say, “I feel motivated, but I’ve got to make the right decision for me. I’ve got to hope that if I do want to come back that the Chiefs are willing to bring me back. It’s a two-way street on that.”
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