After a first-round bye, the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round on Jan. 18.
Because the Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in Week 17, head coach Andy Reid rested quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and the bulk of the team’s key starters against the Denver Broncos in the regular season finale.
While the extra rest was needed after Kansas City played three games in 11 days, Reid made sure to keep everyone sharp during the break. During practice, he had the starting offense play against the defensive starters, a situation he typically only utilizes during training camp.
“These are all competitive guys, but put the ones out there against each other, they really get competitive,” Reid explained. “That’s kind of a fun thing to be a part of. It’s good for the guys. It’s good to get caught up like that on the speed part of it
While Kelce is locked in on the field, he also continues to do amazing things off the field.
The Chiefs announced on Jan. 16, “Operation Breakthrough student Javion is headed to Super Bowl LIX, courtesy of @tkelce! Enjoy the game, Javion 🥹.”
The video shows Kelce surprising Javion with tickets to the big game. “Congratulations, big guy,” Kelce tells Javion. “We’re sending you, your brother, and your mother down to New Orleans, Louisiana next month for this year’s Super Bowl.”
“We’re taking care of your airfare, we’re taking of your hotel, and we got you three tickets so you and your family can hopefully, enjoy the Chiefs!”
The incredible gesture displays just one of the many reasons the Chiefs named Kelce as their Walter Payton Man of Year Award nominee. The prestigious honor recognizes players “who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the game,” the team wrote in a statement.
The 35-year-old earned the recognition amid his ongoing community work in Kansas City through his foundation, 87 & Running, which aims to empower disadvantaged youth and Operation Breakthrough, which helps local kids living in poverty.
Earlier this month, Kelce won the Walter Payton Man of the Year “Charity Challenge” for the fourth time in five seasons, which awarded a $35,000 donation to 87 & Running.
