Travis Kelce has broken his silence following the deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade that left one person dead and nearly two dozen injured.
The Chiefs tight end released a message alongside his brother Jason, which appeared on social media on Monday afternoon ahead of the new episode of their New Heights podcast.
‘We have a pre-recorded episode for you guys coming up on Wednesday but after the tragic events of the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, it didn’t feel right without you guys hearing from us first,’ Travis said.
‘Kansas City and Chiefs Kingdom we love you guys. we’re with you guys and we’ll see you guys soon.’
The brothers encouraged fans to donate to an emergency fund which will provide support for victims, their families, the first responders as well as violence prevention and mental health services.
‘We also want to thank the local law enforcement that sprang into action,’ Jason Kelce said
Terrified parade-goers flee for their lives after gunmen opened fire shortly after the rally
Kelce matched girlfriend Taylor Swift ‘s $100,000 donation to victims of last week’s shooting following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally.
A GoFundMe page shows a pair of $50,000 donations from his charity, the Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation – an organization that aims to help ‘underserved youth strive to become productive citizens.’
The GoFundMe page was started by friends of the Reyes family, who had two young daughters wounded in the shooting. Swift, meanwhile, donated to the family of Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan, who was killed in the shooting.
The donation came after Kelce took waves of criticism for partying in the wake of the shooting.
Kelce was among the Chiefs stars who went ahead with a ‘scaled down’ celebration just hours after tragedy struck.
‘We just wanted to say our hearts go out to all of the victims, their families, Chiefs Kingdom and all of Kansas City that was really there on a day to try and celebrate the community. It’s unfortunate and deeply tragic the events that occured,’ Jason said.
Kelce came under fire after attending a ‘scaled down’ celebration hours after tragedy struck
‘We also want to thank the local law enforcement that sprang into action, the first responders on scene and anybody that’s been wiling to help those affected by this tragedy.’
Eagles center Jason added: ‘One of the things that’s evident is how much Kansas City is coming together, rallying aorund the people affected by this.
‘And one of the beautiful things we have in doing this podcast is the wonderful community out there – the ’92 per centers’, everbody that watches this show…’
Travis and Jason Kelce also revealed that they are ‘figuring out’ a way to get involved in the fundraising and support efforts.
‘We plan on doing something in the future – we’re trying to get that situated right now,’ Jason said.
‘We have some ideas but make sure you’re following and we’ll be telling you guys ways we’re gonna try to get involved.’
Travis Kelce spent his Sunday playing virtual rounds of golf with ex-teammate Ross Travis at X-Golf, in Parkville, Missouri, DailyMail.com photos show
Travis appears to be in no rush to hop on a plane to see his girlfriend Taylor Swift in Australia – choosing to spend time with his friends closer to home.
The Kansas City star, 34, joked around with a friend as they spent four hours on Sunday playing virtual rounds of golf in Parkville, Missouri , around 30 miles from his home in Kansas.
The keen golfer kept his head down as he and former Chief tight end Ross Travis carried their clubs to indoor golf course, X-Golf – where they were later seen leaving with takeaway boxes, exclusive DailyMail.com pictures show.
Kelce got behind the wheel of his electric Hummer and packed their equipment, balls, and other items into the back of the souped-up pickup truck after the session, which would have cost him $500 for the four-hour stint.