Travis Kelce suffers major setback just before Super Bowl LIX

Travis Kelce probably doesn’t class himself as a particularly unfortunate gentleman given he is the star of an NFL team about to compete for a third consecutive Super Bowl and he is in a relationship with Taylor Swift.  Despite all of that, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end may have woken up on February 7 a little disappointed that he was overlooked for an award that many thought he had a chance of winning.

It is fair to say that Kelce had a superb season and was rightly in the running for the award. He broke the league’s record for most postseason receptions (174).  He is also close to stealing Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s record for most touchdown catches (22) and receiving yards (2,245). Kelce has 20 touchdowns and 2,039 yards in 24 playoff games.  This great form meant that the Chiefs nominated the 35-year-old for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in December, and the award ceremony finally roled around on February 6.

Kelce misses out

Considered the league’s most prestigious award, Kelce will be dismayed to be overlooked, especially so close to the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Jacksonville Jaguars defensive Arik Armstead was instead handed the award, having been nominated five times during his career.  “Receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is an incredible honor-one that goes beyond football,” Armstead said.

“This award represents the power of service, the responsibility to uplift others, and the impact we can create through education.  “Through the Armstead Academic Project, my mission has always been to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. This recognition is a testament to that work, but there’s still so much more to do. I’m committed to using my platform to create real change-because the work doesn’t stop here.”