- Travis Kelce won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge on social media for the third time.
- He earned a $35,000 prize presented by Nationwide.
- Kelce is sending the money directly to Kansas City partner nonprofit Operation Breakthrough.
- Previously (2020, 2024) the funds went to his Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation.
Kelce wins Walter Payton Charity Challenge again
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Charity Challenge presented by Nationwide, a social-media popularity contest, on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The victory brings a $35,000 donation that Kelce has chosen to send directly to Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City nonprofit partner.
The contest is tied to the NFL’s Man of the Year honors — named for the late Walter Payton — and asks fans to vote across social platforms for the player they want to see receive a charitable prize. Kelce has now won the challenge three times: in 2020, 2024 and again in 2026.
Donation goes straight to local nonprofit
Unlike his previous wins, Kelce did not route this year’s $35,000 through his own Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation. His foundation received the prize after his earlier victories. This time, Kelce directed the funds straight to Operation Breakthrough, which the team described as a partner nonprofit in Kansas City.
Operation Breakthrough offers community services and programs focused on children and families in the Kansas City area. By sending the prize directly, Kelce ensured the money arrives quickly at a local organization that serves the community where he plays.
Why this matters
Directing the donation to a local partner nonprofit reflects a hands-on approach to philanthropy. For fans and followers who voted in the charity challenge, the result means their social-media support translated into immediate aid for a Kansas City nonprofit rather than being routed through an intermediary organization.
Kelce’s choice also highlights how the Walter Payton Charity Challenge functions: it leverages player popularity to move dollars toward community causes. Kelce’s repeated wins underline his broad social-media reach and the sustained engagement of his fanbase.
What’s next
Kelce continues to lead both on and off the field, using high-profile moments to benefit community organizations. Operation Breakthrough will receive and deploy the $35,000 donation to further its local programs, while Kelce’s Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation remains active in separate charitable work.
Fans who participated in the voting can expect updates from Kelce and the organizations involved as the funds are put to use. The Walter Payton Charity Challenge will likely remain a notable stop on the NFL’s philanthropic calendar, spotlighting players and local nonprofits each year.
Image Referance: https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/01/11/travis-kelce-charity-walter-payton-donation/88069578007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z118424p115850c115850u112824d00—-v118424&gca-ft=39&gca-ds=sophi
