Travis Kelce's foundation launches health and wellness endowment at University of Cincinnati
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce continues to be as busy on and off the field this season. The All-Pro standout added another venture to his long list by giving back to the University of Cincinnati.
Kelce attended Cincinnati from 2009 to 2012. Recently, Kelce announced that his Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation is contributing to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department. The foundation is launching a Health and Wellness Endowment for Bearcats student-athletes.
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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 also 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," Kelce said. "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 founded Eighty-Seven and Running in 2015. The foundation strives to help mentor underserved youth through fundraising, athletic programs, mentoring and outreach initiatives.
"We are honored to have Travis Kelce launch this transformational endowment for our student-athletes," UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham said in a statement. "This is a really special gift from Travis because it comes from a former student-athlete for current and future student-athletes, but also because it will impact student-athletes for years to come."
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.