Chiefs star Travis Kelce wins Athlete of the Year award at the People’s Choice Awards… only a few weeks after branding his nomination ‘f***ing nonsense’

Travis Kelce was crowned Athlete of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards on Sunday after eclipsing his nomination in January.

In an episode of the New heights podcast with his brother Jason, Kelce called his nomination “f***ing nonsense.” The Kansas City Chiefs star then cited how he did nothing to be considered for the honor.

‘What did I do to become Athlete of the Year? I did SNL,” he said on the program. “How am I on this (list)?”

Nevertheless, Kelce was given the award over a star-studded list of nominees. Kelce was nominated alongside Coco Gauff, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Sabrina Ionescu, Simone Biles and Stephen Curry.

Kelce did not attend the awards ceremony at the Bakrer Hangar in Santa Monica, California. After winning his third Super Bowl with the Chiefs on Feb. 11, Kelce has spent much of his celebration in Missouri.

Kelce has previously shaded his nomination, noting that he didn’t do anything other than appear on SNL

Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift has dominated headlines since September 2023

Despite feeling underqualified, Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift may have earned him popularity votes to earn the nomination. After going public with their relationship in September, Swift and Kelce dominated headlines for most of the NFL season.

Just weeks after bringing her Grammy tally to 14, Swift was voted into four categories on Sunday. However, she was unable to attend the ceremony as her Eras tour resumes in Australia.

On the same episode of New Heights where Travis turned down his nomination nomination, Jason urged their fanbase to “rig” the vote for his brother.

“92 per cent, let’s rig this thing,” Jason says. “Let’s start by electing the Big Yeti for the People’s Choice Award, Athlete of the Year.”

“Fans decide who wins this?” Travis asked in response.

“It all makes so much sense when you put it like that,” he continued. “I want an award (where) Jason is voted Sexiest Man of the Year, (and) First Team AP All-Pro.”