Fresh off new contract, Travis Kelce unveils big plans to help inner-city kids in KC
On Friday afternoon, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce partook in a Zoom call with media, and when addressing his new contract extension, he spoke of his personal growth.
By Friday evening, he was announcing an initiative to offer Kansas City’s inner-city teenagers the same opportunity for growth — in whatever careers they might choose.
In a partnership with Operation Breakthrough, Kelce said he is purchasing a building with plans to turn it into a working space for teenagers in which they will have the opportunity to “explore careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures and gain real-world experience.”
The endeavor will be called “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87&Running,” his charity foundation. He provided a artist’s design for the structure as part of the announcement.
He also offered a lengthy statement for the purpose behind it:
“I couldn’t begin to tell you how much this city means to me. You took me in seven years ago and made all my dreams come true! I can’t wait to give you another six seasons of everything I got when I take the field with my brothers.
“But I’m also recommitting myself to the work I have left to do off the field. The amazing kids I’ve seen grow up the last seven years in the inner-city of KC are now teenagers navigating a world that doesn’t always have their back.
“The vision is to give these teens in KC’s underserved neighborhoods a safe haven. A place where they’re exposed to interests and role models far beyond the field or court. Kids can’t concentrate if they don’t feel safe. They can’t envision a career they’ve never heard of or learn a skill they’ve never been taught.
“So together with Operation Breakthrough, we’re going to create this place.”
Kelce, 30, signed a four-year extension worth between $14 million and $15 annually, which will tack onto the two years he was already under contract.
This story was originally published August 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM.