Travis Kelce’s latest victory has sparked both celebration and backlash, with some questioning whether his pop star girlfriend played a role in securing the win.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has made history as the first two-time winner of the Nationwide Charity Challenge, securing the 2024 title. While his victory highlights his impact on and off the field, it has drawn skepticism from some netizens.
A netizen’s reaction to Travis Kelce’s win, posted on January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/nfl
Notably, Kelce’s win marks the fourth time in five seasons that a Chiefs player has earned the honor, further cementing the team’s philanthropic dominance.
The National Football League (NFL) celebrated Kelce’s accomplishment on Instagram, “Congratulations to @killatrav on winning the 2024 Nationwide Charity Challenge!”
A netizen’s comment on Travis Kelce’s win, posted on January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/nfl
The post also highlighted a $35,000 donation from Nationwide to Kelce’s foundation, 87 & Running, which focuses on empowering underserved youth in Kansas City through projects like Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab.
This donation underscores the significance of the Charity Challenge, a key part of the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year initiative that recognizes players for their community contributions.
Fans played a crucial role in determining the winner, casting their votes on X (formerly Twitter) between December 5, 2024, and January 6, 2025, to choose among 32 contenders for the prestigious award. The final results will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony.
Travis Kelce smiles on the sidelines before facing the Ravens at GEHA Field, Kansas City, on September 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Amid Kelce’s accomplishment, some netizens raised questions about the legitimacy of his win. One netizen bluntly stated, “Chiefs gotta [sic] cheat at everything,” while another claimed, “this [sic] has got to be rigged.”
A critic argued that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans was more deserving, claiming Kelce’s community efforts lacked impact.
A netizen’s reaction to Travis Kelce’s win, posted on January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/nfl
Some suggested that Kelce’s votes were heavily influenced by fans of his rumored girlfriend, Taylor Swift, pointing to the significant sway of her fanbase, the “Swifties.” A user also claimed that the pop star’s involvement directly affected the outcome.
A netizen’s comment on Taylor Swift’s role in Travis Kelce’s win, posted January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/nfl
A skeptic commented, “Swifties carrying this guy this season.” Amid the backlash, a user dismissed the controversy, urging critics to recognize Kelce’s contributions off the field and move past the debate.
A netizen’s comment on Travis Kelce’s win, posted on January 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com/nfl
Supportive voices emphasized Kelce’s character and philanthropic efforts, highlighting his long-standing commitment to community work. One fan praised his efforts, “Congratulations, @killatrav! 87&Running is doing some phenomenal work with Operation Breakthrough and the IngnitionLab!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Another shared their pride in the local impact, “So proud. This will do a lot for KC and the kids here. 🥹”
This is Travis Kelce’s second time winning the challenge, following his 2020 victory. He now joins a distinguished group of Chiefs winners, including Patrick Mahomes (2022), Tyrann Mathieu (2021), and Eric Berry (2015), further cementing the team’s reputation for making an impact on and off the field.
