In a heartwarming display of generosity, NFL stars and brothers, Travis and Jason Kelce, have made a significant contribution to support U.S. Women’s Hockey star, Laila Edwards, in her journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Kelce brothers, natives of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where Edwards also grew up, donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign created to help her family with the expenses of traveling to Italy to see her compete.
Edwards, a standout forward/defender for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, has achieved a historic milestone as the first Black woman to represent the United States in Olympic women's hockey. The costs associated with international travel and accommodation for an extended stay proved to be a significant hurdle for her family. The GoFundMe campaign was launched to alleviate this financial burden, aiming to raise $50,000 to enable her family to be there in person to support her Olympic debut.
The Kelce brothers' contribution has helped the campaign exceed its initial goal, raising over $59,000 as of Wednesday, January 29th. This outpouring of support will allow up to 14 members of Edwards' immediate family, including her maternal grandmother and nephew, to make the trip to Italy. Edwards expressed her gratitude, stating, "Obviously, my name's on the roster, but I feel like my whole family made it to the Olympics... All the sacrifices they've made, the things they've done to get me here, my parents, my siblings, I'm so grateful, and for them to get to come and share the experience is going to be really special".
The Kelce brothers had previously acknowledged Edwards' achievements on their "New Heights" podcast in 2023 when she became the first Black woman to make the U.S. women's senior national hockey team. Laila thanked them on social media, which led to a direct conversation with Travis. She recalls, “Travis and I had a full conversation over DM, and that was super cool… he was a really down-to-earth, humble guy who was super supportive and had really good things to say”.
Edwards, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on January 26th, is considered a rising star in women's hockey. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 195 pounds, she is known for her speed and play-making abilities. Her journey to the Olympics began at age 13 when she left home to attend the Bishop Kearney Selects Academy in Rochester, New York.
Edwards' mother, Charone Gray-Edwards, expressed her immense gratitude, stating, "OMG, thank you, so much for taking time out of your busy day to notice us little people and support us". She also noted the Kelce brothers have maintained a keen interest in Laila since the "New Heights" shoutout. Edwards also told People Magazine, "So I mean, those are really good guys. They're really good people, too, outside of their athletic abilities".
Edwards' achievements include a silver medal at the 2024 World Championship, where she was named Tournament MVP, becoming the youngest player to receive the honor. She also won a gold medal at the 2025 World Championship. The Kelce brothers' act of kindness has not only helped Edwards' family witness her Olympic debut but has also highlighted the sense of community and support that exists within their shared hometown of Cleveland Heights.
