The off-field work of Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce continues to be as busy as his gamedays. The All-Pro added another venture to his long list by giving back to his college alma mater — the University of Cincinnati.
Kelce recently announced that his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation is contributing to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department by launching a Health and Wellness Endowment for Bearcats student-athletes. The endowment will fund Cincinnati’s Sports Psychology and Counseling Department and directly aid all 450 student-athletes. Staff members for Director of Sports Psychology Lenecia Nickell will be expanded in the process.
Kelce addressed the contribution in a statement released by the University.
“During my time at UC, I developed a solid infrastructure of people around to help me navigate through daily life as a student-athlete,” said Kelce. “The transition from high school to college was a difficult one; it was an emotional rollercoaster at times dealing with my academic responsibilities and holding my own on the field. There was little to no room for error in the classroom and on the field. Being able to have that support system in place is part of the reason why I decided to start this Endowment and give back to my alma mater and its athletic department. I’m at a place in my career where I’m able to share my experiences and lend resources to provide the university’s student-athletes with the assistance they need to become the best versions of themselves they can be.”
Kelce was a former quarterback turned tight end during his tenure with the Bearcats from 2009 to 2012, scoring eight touchdowns in his final season before being drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft.
