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Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs showed that he’s the bigger man and made a classy move after getting some unfortunate news.
On Thursday, February 5, the 2026 NFL Honors took place in San Francisco, as part of the events leading up to the Super Bowl LX. Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t in the big game, and instead, that the Seattle Seahawks will take on the New England Patriots in a West Coast showdown in San Francisco on Sunday, February 8.
So, Kelce and the Chiefs won’t be playing in the championship, but Kelce is still in town for the festivities. He was at the NFL Honors, albeit without Taylor Swift, and was up for the the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.
The award, according to the NFL’s official website, was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. Each team gets to nominate “one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community,” according to the NFL, “with one winner selected from the 32 club winners.” The Kansas City Chiefs picked Kelce this season.
Travis Kelce Reacts to Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Result
So, Kelce was up for the award, but he didn’t get it. Instead, the honor went to Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. Accepting his award, he thanked his family, especially his mother.
Kelce was super gracious after losing. The Chiefs took to their official social channels to post video of Kelce congratulating Wagner, and he did so gracefully.
“Travis is definitely the best sport,” one follower said on Instagram. “All of the nominees were nominated for being kind, generous, and want to make a difference.”
“Nothing but class,” another said. “I mean… true sportsmanship right there.”
“I wish Travis had won but his story and speech was beautiful and I’m happy he won, too,” another mentioned. “Trav, we need you one more year. Retire as a champ,” one more said.
Travis Kelce Makes Another Appearance
On Wednesday, February 4, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs made another public appearance, this time at the WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am.
Kelce took his name off the 2026 Pro Bowl games, which took place on Tuesday, February 3, in San Francisco. That freed him up to attend the WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am.
The WM Phoenix Open Pro-Am offers golfers “the opportunity to participate and enjoy the excitement of one of the year’s most outstanding Pro-Am events,” according to the event’s official website. “For years the Annexus Pro-Am has captured the interest of players, participants and spectators alike.”
At the event, he was paired with Scottie Scheffler on the front nine and Brooks Koepka on the back nine. Scheffler is ranked No. 1 statistically in the world golf ranking, according to research, and Koepka is a former No. 1-ranked golfer.
“Each year, the Annexus Pro-Am transforms TPC Scottsdale into a must-see showcase where PGA TOUR stars share the fairways with championship athletes, entertainers, and cultural icons,” the event said in an official statement.
Jordan Spurgeon of Sports 360 in Arizona shared a post on X of Kelce teeing off with cheer around him. “Travis Kelce tees off with a large crowd following him,” Spurgeon stated in the post.
So, Kelce took a break from football for a little golfing. Then, he attended the NFL Honors, so this was certainly an action-packed week for the tight end.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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