C. ‘CONGRATS TAVIOLA!’: Jason Kelce’s Touching, Viral Message After Brother Travis Earns Back-to-Back Man of the Year Nomination
Jason Kelce couldn’t hide the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth — the kind only a big brother understands. Watching Travis earn a nomination for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award for the second straight year wasn’t just a football milestone… it was a testament to the man he’s become off the field.
For Jason, it wasn’t about touchdowns, fame, or viral moments. It was about seeing his little brother recognized for compassion, leadership, and the impact he has on real people’s lives.
Fans felt the emotion instantly — one brother honoring another, not for the game, but for the heart behind it.
The accolades keep pouring in for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, but the latest—his second consecutive nomination for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award—is earning the loudest praise not from a fan, but from his big brother.
Philadelphia Eagles legend Jason Kelce didn’t hide his pride, taking to social media immediately after the announcement to deliver a heartfelt, yet typically brotherly, congratulatory message that has already gone viral.
An Unconventional Term of Endearment
In a message that perfectly captured the unique bond between the Kelce siblings, Jason wrote:
“Congrats Taviola, the way you have impacted the game, your community, and your team is second to none. So incredibly deserving of this award, couldn’t be prouder!”
The use of the nickname “Taviola” instantly became a talking point among fans. While its origins remain a mystery—likely a playful, deep-cut family term of endearment—it added a layer of personal warmth to the already significant public acknowledgment. It was a classic “Jason moment,” managing to be both intensely supportive and a little quirky, underscoring that behind the public profiles are two brothers who deeply respect one another’s accomplishments.
The Man of the Year: On and Off the Field
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is considered the league’s most coveted honor, recognizing a player for excellence on the field and dedication to community service off it. Travis Kelce’s repeated selection highlights an incredible commitment that extends far beyond his record-shattering career.
Travis Kelce’s Community Impact:
- The Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation: Founded in 2015, the foundation empowers disadvantaged youth in the Kansas City community by providing resources and support in education, athletics, and the arts.
- Ignition Lab: Kelce’s work with Operation Breakthrough helped create the Ignition Lab, a dedicated space offering high school students hands-on learning experiences in areas like culinary arts and graphic design, mentoring over 1,000 students.
Kelce’s nomination for the second straight year solidifies his legacy not just as a future Hall of Famer, but as a genuine pillar of the Kansas City community. He joins 31 other club nominees from across the NFL, with each player’s chosen charity receiving a minimum of $40,000. The eventual national winner’s charity receives a massive $250,000 donation.
In a recent statement, Travis expressed his gratitude, saying, “To be chosen as the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is such a great honor… Being able to give back to Kansas City and to my hometown, places that have done so much for me, has been a dream come true, and I’ll never take that for granted.”
The pride shared between the two Super Bowl-winning brothers, so often on display on their New Heights podcast, reinforces the idea that true greatness is measured equally in touchdowns and charitable giving.
Would you like to hear more about the specific programs of Travis Kelce’s Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation, or perhaps see the funniest fan reactions to the nickname ‘Taviola’?
