Yahoo Sports KC Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce returns the love to Kansas City at awards banquet
With their regular-season opener looming next week, the Chiefs long ago put their most recent Super Bowl championship in the rear-view mirror.
But superstar tight end Travis Kelce and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo paid tribute to the team — and Kansas City — one more time this week during a pair of events around town.
Kelce received the Sportsman of the Year award at Tuesday’s Kansas City Sports Awards ceremony at the downtown Marriott. He said appearing before a crowd of about 1,000 provided an opportunity to say thank you.
After conducting in interview on stage with KSHB sports anchor Mick Shaffer, Kelce delivered a final message before leaving the stage.
“Thank you guys for everything you do in this community,” he told the audience. “I’ve been here 12 years, and I love the support. That’s why I came out tonight, to make sure you guys see the face of the people who love you guys as much as you love them.
“I appreciate you guys big-time.”
Travis Kelce on exceeding his wildest expectations on/off field: Ends by saying: "Just being curious and adventurous in different career field, knowing that football is going to end for everyone except for Spags." -- He Thanks KC: "I've been here 12 Years, I love the support." pic.twitter.com/D6LNrVPxYu
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) August 28, 2024
Spagnuolo was honored as Coach of the Year at the awards ceremony after shaping the NFL’s second-ranked defense in average points and yards allowed.
“You don’t win an individual award for a team sport unless you’re around good people, really good players and coaches” Spagnuolo said. “It’s a representation of what a bunch of good guys did last year.”
The sports awards banquet was one of at least two public appearances for Kelce and company this week. The Chiefs held their annual Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday at the Loews Kansas City Hotel.
The yearly luncheon featured coach Andy Reid and Chiefs players, as well as team chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, president Mark Donovan and others.
The Chiefs kick off their season Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Other KC Sports Awards winners:
Legacy award: College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock
Sportswoman of the year: Olympic and LSU gymnast Aleah Finnegan
Executive of the year: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark
Community champion: KC Victory Project
