ST.Kelce Brothers’ Quiet Generosity Helped Power an Olympic Gold — and Sent One Family to Witness History
Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in one of the Games’ most emotional stories, donating $10,000 to help the family of U.S. women’s hockey star Laila Edwards travel to Italy for her historic Olympic run.
The result?
Family in the stands.
History on the ice.
Gold around Team USA’s necks.
The GoFundMe That Changed Everything
Edwards’ father, Robert Edwards, launched a GoFundMe titled “Send Laila’s Family to the Olympics to Cheer Her On!” with a goal of $50,000, hoping to cover airfare, lodging, and transportation.
“There’s a lot of ups and downs in playing hockey at this level,” he said.
“She was going to need somebody there.”
Donations trickled in — until one contribution changed the entire trajectory.
The Kelce brothers stepped in with a $10,000 donation, instantly pushing the fundraiser past its goal to more than $60,000.
“They Didn’t Have to Do That”
For Edwards’ mother, Charone Gray Edwards, the moment was overwhelming.
“OMG, thank you so much for noticing us little people and supporting us,” she said.
“The Kelces don’t know us. The only connection is Cleveland Heights. That meant everything.”
That generosity allowed 10 family members, including Edwards’ 91-year-old grandmother, Ernestine Gray, to make the once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy.
A Moment Seen — and Felt — From the Stands
As Edwards skated onto Olympic ice, she scanned the arena.
Then she saw them.
“She waved to me,” her grandmother recalled.
“And I waved back.”
It was a small exchange — and a massive emotional lift — as Edwards helped Team USA defeat Canada in overtime, capturing Olympic gold in one of the Games’ most dramatic finals.
A Relationship Built on Respect
The Kelce brothers’ support didn’t come out of nowhere.
Back in November 2023, Jason and Travis highlighted Edwards on their New Heights podcast after she became the first Black woman selected to the U.S. women’s national ice hockey team.
That shout-out turned into real connection — including direct messages with Travis and ongoing encouragement.
“They’re just really good guys,” Edwards later said.
“Really good people, outside of their athletic abilities.”
Community Stepped Up — But the Kelces Led the Way
Additional support came from organizations like Ice Hockey in Harlem, which donated $1,500. But it was the Kelces’ contribution that broke the barrier and made the trip possible.
“She’s not just representing Cleveland Heights,” said board president JJ Velez.
“She’s representing every Black and brown young girl who ever put on skates and dared to dream.”
Gold, Gratitude, and a Legacy Bigger Than Sport
With her family watching, with her community behind her — and with two NFL legends quietly helping from afar — Laila Edwards delivered one of the defining moments of the Winter Games.
And while the medals will shine forever, so will the reminder that sometimes, the biggest impact doesn’t show up on the scoreboard.
A donation. A family reunited. And an Olympic dream completed — together.
