With the first-ever NFL three-peat on the line, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs have made their way to New Orleans, Louisiana, for Super Bowl LIX against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Unfortunately for Kelce, he received some disappointing news ahead of the big game.
On Thursday, the 14th Annual NFL Honors was held right up the street from Caesars Superdome. This ceremony reveals all the major award winners from the past season, including the MVP.
Kelce had been named one of the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (WPMOY), which “recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field.”
Although the former Cincinnati Bearcats tight end won the WPMOY “Charity Challenge,” the actual award went to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead.
NFL fans were left unhappy after Kelce was snubbed of the award, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.
“travis kelce robbed of man of the year,” one fan said.
“CSo…. Kelce not the WPMOY huh…? Rigged,” wrote another.
“Rigged, it was Travis Kelce, but the NFL has it’s mission,” added a third.
“WTF KELCE SHOULDA WONNN,” commented a fourth.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87).
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
While Kelce still earned $55,000 for his 87 and Running charity, Armstead was awarded a $265,000 donation to the charity of his choice for winning the award. Kelce also added another $35,000 donation for winning the “Charity Challenge,” bringing the total contributions to 87 and Running up to $90,000.
Kelce is coming off a down season statistically, at least to his standards, recording 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns. Still, he earned a nod as a Pro Bowler, his 10th straight season doing so.
But the Chiefs have a lot more on their mind than an award, eyeing their fourth ring in six seasons against the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
