Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce suffer award shock as Taylor Swift’s 2025 losing curse takes over the internet

Arik Armstead of Jacksonville Jaguars secured the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The announcement occurred during the NFL Honors event in Las Vegas. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were contenders but did not win. Armstead was awarded for his Armstead Academic Project. Kelce and Mahomes praised Armstead for his inspiring work. The award highlights character and charity work.

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce suffer award shock as Taylor Swift’s 2025 losing curse takes over the internet (Image via Getty)

As the 2025 NFL season drew nearer, many believed that two of the Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest stars – Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce – were to be the winners of a big award. They were an established presence on the field and generated a lot of off-field coverage and attention. Even Taylor Swift, closely linked with the team through her relationship with Travis Kelce, was often brought up in conversations around the buzz. However, when the NFL went public with the announcement, none of the great players were selected. This was the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Patrick Mahomes and travis kelce do not receive Walter Payton Man of the Year

February 8,2025, during the NFL Honors event in Las Vegas, they announced the Walter Payton Man of the Year awards. They did not announce it for Patrick Mahomes and Travis kelce, but instead for Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville jaguars.

Arik Armstead was awarded for running the Armstead Academic Project, helping students obtain school supplies, tutoring, and scholarships. Travis Kelce, whose Running Foundation does a lot in Kansas City, and Patrick Mahomes, known for charity efforts, were both strong contenders. Still, Arik Armstead won for his outstanding work.

Arik Armstead earns award Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes praised

Travis Kelce, aged 35, had another busy season after a tough Super Bowl LIX loss in New Orleans on February 9, 2025.

There, he caught only four passes for 39 yards, and the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22.After the game, Travis Kelce admitted the team “lacked spark”. Before that game, at the NFL Honors on February 8, Travis Kelce hoped to win the Man of the Year, but praised Arik Armstead, saying he was “truly inspiring”.

Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback, also watched as Arik Armstead won. He praised both Travis Kelce and the others for the award, highlighting their charity work. The NFL says this award highlights character, not just game stats.At the same time, Taylor Swift’s curse of the 2025 losing streak took over the internet, fueling wild fan theories online. This award announcement came just before a chance for a three-peat Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had already won the award last time the season started and many thought they would again.But now, with Arik Armstead taking the honour, it shows that someone outside a top team can shine. It reminds us: doing good off the field is as respected as winning on it.