THE life of Travis Kelce tends to have more ups than downs but the boyfriend of Taylor Swift has been dealt a rare loss ahead of Super Bowl weekend.

The 35-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end has had an incredible last coupe years in his professional and personal life.

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Travis Kelce has lost the NFL’s most prestigious award three days before Super BowlCredit: Getty
Alongside Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, Kelce has spearheaded the current dynasty of the Chiefs franchise and off-the-field boasts a glamorous relationship with Taylor Swift.

However as he gears up for his third consecutive Super Bowl appearance – his fifth overall – the unfortunate news received last night might have taken the shine of the upcoming showpiece in New Orleans.

Kelce has established himself as one of the NFL’s most potent of offensives weapons.

Like Mahomes, the fellow soon-to-be Hall of Famer has a stunning playoff resume, including most postseason receptions (174) and is close to displacing the legendary Jerry Rice in touchdown catches (22) and receiving yards (2,245).

Kelce has 20 touchdowns and 2,039 yards in 24 playoff games.

His work on the football pitch is similar to that off it.

Kelce is regularly involved with Operation Breakthrough, a KC-based nonprofit, as well as his own foundation, 87 & Running, which has led to his nomination for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee last December.

Initially called ‘The NFL Man of the Year’ trophy, it was created in 1969 to award a player’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact, as well as his excellence on the field.

The NFL describes the award as its “most prestigious accolade” and recipients of the award sometimes place it among their most cherished.

However, during Thursday’s 14th Annual NFL Honors right up the street from Caesars Superdome – where Sunday night’s Big Game will be held, it was revealed that Kelce missed out on the award.

Travis Kelce insists ‘it’s a great honor’ to have President Donald Trump at Super Bowl despite past Taylor Swift remarks

Though a recipient of the WPMOY “Charity Challenge,” the actual award went to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead.

Armstead, a five-time nominee, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the local community across his decade-long career.

In 2019, he established the Armstead Academic Project (AAP), an initiative that ensures every student has direct access to the resources they need to thrive and achieve their goals.

In 2024, Armstead and his wife, Mindy, donated $50,000 to the Department of Sound to create the first “Sound Mind” production workshop series for over 60 young people to explore STEAM education and social emotional wellness through AAP.

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Arik Armstead is the second Jacksonville Jaguars player to ever win the awardCredit: Getty

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Arik and wife Mindy have been married since 2020Credit: Getty

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Armstead played Kelce in Super Bowl 2024 whislt with the San Francisco 49ersCredit: Getty
“Receiving the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is an incredible honor—one that goes beyond football,” Armstead said.

“This award represents the power of service, the responsibility to uplift others, and the impact we can create through education.

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“Through the Armstead Academic Project, my mission has always been to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.

This recognition is a testament to that work, but there’s still so much more to do. I’m committed to using my platform to create real change—because the work doesn’t stop here.”

Kelce had a strong support for his nomination with teammate Mahomes calling Kelce’s community “unmatched” to a group of reporters in the midst of Super Bowl build-up.

“I’ve seen it first hand, it’s really special… He truly deserves it,” Mahomes said.

Those on social media also had their say:

“travis kelce robbed of man of the year,” one fan said.

“CSo…. Kelce not the WPMOY huh…? Rigged,” wrote another.

“Rigged, it was Travis Kelce, but the NFL has it’s mission,” added a third.

“WTF KELCE SHOULDA WONNN,” commented a fourth.

As for Kelce, he and his team’s attention will remain firmly headstrong on achieving what would be an historic third Super Bowl in a row – no team has ever done so – against the Philadelphia Eagles.