Travis Kelce Moved To Tears While Sharing Impact Of His Foundation On Kids

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce recently shared an emotional moment discussing the impact of his foundation, 87 & Running, and its work with local youth.

Calling into the "Chiefs Kingdom Show" with host Mitch Holthus on Monday, November 11, the 35-year-old spoke about his foundation’s partnership with Operation Breakthrough, an educational center supporting children living in poverty in Kansas City.

Travis Kelce founded 87 & Running with a mission shaped by his own upbringing in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, a diverse community where people of different socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds lived side by side.

During his radio show appearance, the tight end enthusiastically praised Operation Breakthrough's facility in Kansas City, describing it as “one of the coolest places that I’ve ever seen or been a part of.”

"They literally have kids from preschool all the way to 8th grade, and they’re making sure these kids have meals, a safe haven; they get their education, they have good guidance and mentors," Kelce explained.

Witnessing firsthand how many of his closest friends faced challenges he didn’t have, Kelce was inspired to help children who may not have access to the same support systems he enjoyed. Since its founding in 2015, the foundation has been committed to delivering resources and enrichment opportunities to young people and their communities.

Reflecting on his first visit to Operation Breakthrough—located just 15 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium - Kelce recalled, "It was for Dr. Seuss's birthday, and I was reading to the kids."

The Chiefs star shared that he read "The Cat in the Hat" to the children during that initial visit to the youth center, a memory that remains special to him as he continues his work with the organization.

"And when I tell you that I hadn't read a Dr. Seuss book in forever...I was over there trying to read these things just like these preschoolers were," he joked as he attempted to pronounce some of the whimsical words and rhymes from the iconic children's author.

"It was beautiful to see what that organization was doing for those kids," the Kansas City Chiefs tight end continued. "And it was a little unsettling at the end when I found out that the program stopped at eighth grade."

In 2021, Kelce partnered with Operation Breakthrough to launch the Ignition Lab, expanding programming for students beyond middle school. Now, teens aged 14 to 18 have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in practical skills such as graphic design, automotive repair, and cooking.

The tight end reflected on his high school years, saying they "were such a big part of my development and who I am as a person."

"I was so fortunate that I had the people around me and the environment around me to make sure I was doing the right things," he added.

Kelce’s voice grew emotional, even pausing briefly to collect himself, as he spoke about the kids he’s met who have now grown up and started pursuing their dreams.

"It's just been a beautiful thing because a lot of those kids that I was reading to in preschool are now in the Ignition Lab and doing great things with their lives," said Kelce. "And it's just cool to see it all manifest and all come to life."

Through a combination of fundraising, athletic programs, mentoring, and outreach initiatives, 87 & Running continues to make a positive impact on youth development and empowerment.

As tight end #87 for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce draws inspiration for his foundation, 87 & Running, from his deep commitment to improving the lives of young people facing adversity.

According to the official website, 87 & Running's mission is: "We empower disadvantaged youth to achieve success by providing resources and support to their communities and cultivating their talent in the areas of education, business, athletics, stem, and the arts."

The foundation adds, "Eighty-Seven & Running seeks to change the outcome of underserved youth in communities across the United States by creating access to opportunities, enrichment, and advancement."