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Andy Reid on Travis Kelce Winning NFLPA Community MVP Award: "He Has a Big Heart"

Kelce was recognized for opening a new robotics lab at Operation Breakthrough on Friday

Travis Kelce is no stranger to accolades, but it wasn't the sixth-year tight end's All-Pro athleticism that garnered recognition on Friday.

Kelce was named the NFL Players Association Week 2 Community MVP on Friday morning for opening a new robotics lab at Operation Breakthrough, providing a safe space and educational opportunities for underserved kids in the Kansas City area.

"I've been around that organization for a while now, and it's something that's very dear to my heart," Kelce said. "Those kids are awesome. The after-school program that they've been able to put together for these kids is unbelievable. [When I heard they wanted to] open up a new building, I knew I wanted to help out in some way. They said the robotics team could use a new lab, so I jumped on it as fast as I could."

In addition to Operation Breakthrough students, the new lab will be available to 175 kids from three local elementary schools as well as 100 freshmen at a nearby high school. Kelce donated $45,000 to build the new facility – half from his 87 & Running Foundation and the rest from his own pocket.

The announcement comes on the heels of Kelce's third-annual "Walk the Walk" fashion show benefiting a local hospital. 

Both gestures exemplify the kind of person that Kelce is.

"I used to look up to athletes as superstars and heroes, so I understand how my influence can help out kids," Kelce explained. "I can give them a positive image and give them a motivation to do something special in their lives. That's one way that I knew that I could relate to people."

Packers vs Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium 
August 30th 2018

Kelce has done plenty of that throughout his time in Kansas City, and Head Coach Andy Reid has noticed.

"Travis has a big heart," Reid said. "I have a story for you - we were at training camp and went out to [dinner]. The tight ends were there and this little kid saw Travis, came up and gave him a hug and wouldn't let go. Travis embraced it. He made that little guy feel like he was the greatest kid on Earth. That's how he rolls – he has a good heart."

It's just the way that Kelce carries himself.

"It makes me feel like a kid again. It reminds me of what I am to this community and what I can be for the future," Kelce added. "It's just an awesome feeling."

To learn more about the 87 & Running Foundation, click here.

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