The NFL is always up with their stars raising awareness on important issues. From Crucial Catch promoting cancer screenings to players supporting mental health. Beyond the league itself, individual players have used their influence to drive change. Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has supported mental health initiatives, while Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett has been vocal about heart health.. But this time, it’s an NFL mom stepping up. Donna Kelce has come up raising awareness about a critical virus and how every adult over 50 needs to be aware of.

Donna Kelce, mom of Travis and Jason Kelce, recently hosted a brunch in Kansas City with her Thrive at 50+ squad. She and her friends tackled an important health topic of shingles. On Instagram, Donna shared her excitement: “I’m THRIVING after the brunch I hosted with the @thriveat50plus squad gals in Kansas City!”. Beyond the delicious food, the gathering carried a crucial message that shingles is a serious health issue.

Donna and her guests mentioned fact, “90% of adults 50 years and older already have the virus that causes shingles inside their body, and it can reactivate at any time.” This means that even if you feel perfectly fine now, the virus could still be lurking beneath the surface. While not everyone will develop shingles, those who do often experience severe pain, blistering rashes, and long-term nerve damage. Donna understands how unexpected health challenges can disrupt daily life, and she wants to ensure people are prepared.

To make learning fun, Donna Kelce and Gina Dona brought their competitive spirit to a football toss game. Teaming up with Dr. Bayo, a family medicine physician, they tackled important health info with a mix of trivia, laughter, and friendly competition. Dr. Bayo tested their knowledge, “Name the virus that causes shingles”. Without missing a beat, Donna and Gina confidently answered, “Varicella Zoster.” Correct! Dr. Bayo further explained, “After chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in a person’s body. It can reactivate years later to cause shingles.” Then came another key question: “What is the most important risk factor for shingles?” The answer is age. “When we think of age, we have to think of the age 50,” Dr. Bayo emphasized.

After the questions, it was time for the real showdown: “We’re very competitive, so this could go either way,” Donna joked as they lined up their throws. The game was close, but in the end, Dr. Bayo played the ultimate referee, stating: “I’m going to declare both winners!”

The event was a great reminder to prioritize health. Donna urged everyone, “Take steps to prioritize your health and ask your doctor or pharmacist about your risk for shingles and about prevention”. Many people don’t think about shingles until it happens to them, but there are ways to lower the risk. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent shingles, and doctors can provide personalized advice on staying protected.

So, if you’re over 50, now is the time to check in on your health. Take a page from Donna’s book and start the conversation with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also find more information by following @thriveat50plus. As Donna and her brunch guests emphasized, being proactive today can save you from pain and complications down the road.

And while Mama Kelce is spreading awareness about shingles, her younger son is busy making some important career decisions.

Travis Kelce’s retirement decision

Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, recently faced swirling rumors about a potential retirement following a challenging Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Speculations arose about his future, considering factors like age and the physical demands of the game. However, new insights have emerged, shedding light on the real reasons behind his decision to continue playing.

At 35, Kelce has endured the rigorous physical toll that comes with being an NFL tight end. The 2024 season was particularly tough, with Kelce recording career-low stats, including 823 receiving yards and only three touchdowns. These struggles led to introspection about his health and performance. Despite these challenges, Kelce’s passion for the game remained unwavering, motivating him to push forward.

Beyond the gridiron, Kelce’s life is bustling. His growing media presence and entertainment opportunities presented alternative career paths. Financial considerations also played a role; continuing his NFL career ensures substantial earnings, including an $11.5 million bonus for the 2025 season. These factors influenced his decision to return, balancing his love for football with practical considerations.

Kelce’s return has significant implications for the Chiefs. His leadership and skill set are integral to the team’s offense. However, the organization is also planning for the future. Reports suggest that the Chiefs are eyeing tight end Mason Taylor in the upcoming draft as a potential successor to Kelce. This strategic move indicates the team’s foresight in maintaining a strong tight end presence for years to come. It’s like they are already preparing, if Kelce dips out, they have someone to take over.