Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has spoken out to clarify a viral rumor that he made a $3 million donation to fight homelessness in Kansas City. The athlete took to the “New Heights” podcast to directly address the false claims that were spread by various social media channels and outlets, debunking the story that gained massive attention in recent weeks.
Kelce Sets the Record Straight
On the latest episode of his podcast, Kelce explained the misunderstanding, saying:
“Some false claims were thrown out there that I was doing something in the community that I was not.”
Though he acknowledged the attention the story generated, Kelce made it clear he wasn’t about to dive into the specifics of the misleading article that spread the rumors, saying he didn’t want to give any further attention to what he referred to as “nonsense.” He added:
“I’m not even going to talk about it specifically, I don’t want to bring any more attention to that whole nonsense and article and all that stuff.”
Redirecting Focus to His Actual Charitable Work
Rather than focusing on the false report, Kelce directed his fans and followers to his own charitable foundation, 87 and Running, where he’s truly making an impact. The foundation, which serves as his official platform for giving back, focuses on mentoring youth and providing resources to help them achieve independence.
Kelce said:
“We’re always trying to get out there, get in the Kansas City communities, in the Cleveland community.”
He encouraged everyone to look into the foundation’s activities and the causes it supports, emphasizing the real work he’s involved in.
How the Rumor Spread
The rumor, which originally spread through a Daily Mail article, claimed that Kelce had donated a multi-million dollar home to a charitable cause. The organization purportedly involved in the donation even posted on social media, stating:
“Travis is offering housing, mentorship, and educational resources, giving these youth the tools they need to move toward independence and break the cycle of homelessness.”
This led to widespread admiration for Kelce, including praise from Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter and media personality, who expressed his appreciation for Kelce’s generous act.
Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Despite the praise, Kelce made it clear that not everything he reads is true, reinforcing the idea that fans should question what they see online. He thanked people like Pat McAfee, who had lauded his supposed generosity, for their support. But he also urged people not to believe everything they read:
“So just wanted to set the record straight. Appreciate everybody for always trying to show, especially Pat McAfee. He’s always trying to look out for the guys, guys and women in the sports world.”
Kelce’s Ongoing Commitment to His Community
While the confusion over the viral donation claim was unfortunate, Kelce’s message was clear: his real philanthropic efforts are focused on making a difference through his foundation. Kelce’s consistent involvement in Kansas City and Cleveland communities, and his ongoing dedication to youth mentorship, continue to be at the forefront of his charitable work.
