The Kansas City Chiefs could soon face a major transition. With Travis Kelce widely expected to retire after the 2025 NFL season, the franchise is preparing for life without its future Hall of Famer. Since confirming his return earlier this year, the 36-year-old has hinted that this might be his final run, telling reporters back in September, “Man, it’s the last one on the contract right now.”
As the season unfolds, attention has shifted toward finding the right player to carry the torch. Inside the organization, tight end Noah Gray has quietly earned respect both on and off the field — and his recent nomination for the 2025 NFL Salute to Service Award shows just that. The recognition, presented by the NFL and USAA, honors individuals across the league who have showed exceptional commitment to supporting members of the U.S. military.
Noah Gray’s passion for service is rooted in his close partnership with Friends in Service of Heroes (FISH), a Kansas City nonprofit that aids active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. His involvement with the organization began in 2021 and has since become a cornerstone of his community work. Through FISH, Gray has helped provide service dogs and adaptive equipment to assist veterans, supported families during the holidays, and offered comfort to those struggling after service. His efforts have not only strengthened the Chiefs’ local ties but also highlighted his character as one of the team’s most respected young leaders.
Still, while Gray is gaining momentum, the Chiefs’ long-term succession plan may extend beyond their current roster. NFL Draft analyst Nick Baumgardner of The New York Times recently projected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a player to watch. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Sadiq has totaled 22 catches for 311 yards and five touchdowns this season, averaging 14.1 yards per reception. He earned an 80.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking second nationally among returning tight ends, and Baumgardner has him listed as the No. 26 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For now, Chiefs fans are showing their support for Gray, who has become a symbol of consistency and heart within the locker room. The NFL will reveal the finalists for the Salute to Service Award in January, with the winner honored during the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to the Super Bowl. Regardless of who follows Travis Kelce, Noah Gray’s leadership — on and off the field — is already helping define the next chapter in Kansas City.
More NFL coverage:
NFL announces touching league-wide tribute to Marshawn Kneeland after devastating news shocks the football world
Josh Allen’s 'violent' celebration against Chiefs costs him $14,000 — the real reason behind the NFL’s punishment
As the season unfolds, attention has shifted toward finding the right player to carry the torch. Inside the organization, tight end Noah Gray has quietly earned respect both on and off the field — and his recent nomination for the 2025 NFL Salute to Service Award shows just that. The recognition, presented by the NFL and USAA, honors individuals across the league who have showed exceptional commitment to supporting members of the U.S. military.
Noah Gray’s off-field leadership draws praiseThe Salute to Service Award recognizes extraordinary advocates for the military community, demonstrating the impact that individuals can have in the lives of those who serve ❤️
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 8, 2025
Vote for our nominee, Noah Gray: https://t.co/pPbzPhs5FF pic.twitter.com/eNTOIuytrY
Noah Gray’s passion for service is rooted in his close partnership with Friends in Service of Heroes (FISH), a Kansas City nonprofit that aids active-duty personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. His involvement with the organization began in 2021 and has since become a cornerstone of his community work. Through FISH, Gray has helped provide service dogs and adaptive equipment to assist veterans, supported families during the holidays, and offered comfort to those struggling after service. His efforts have not only strengthened the Chiefs’ local ties but also highlighted his character as one of the team’s most respected young leaders.
Still, while Gray is gaining momentum, the Chiefs’ long-term succession plan may extend beyond their current roster. NFL Draft analyst Nick Baumgardner of The New York Times recently projected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a player to watch. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Sadiq has totaled 22 catches for 311 yards and five touchdowns this season, averaging 14.1 yards per reception. He earned an 80.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking second nationally among returning tight ends, and Baumgardner has him listed as the No. 26 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For now, Chiefs fans are showing their support for Gray, who has become a symbol of consistency and heart within the locker room. The NFL will reveal the finalists for the Salute to Service Award in January, with the winner honored during the NFL Honors ceremony leading up to the Super Bowl. Regardless of who follows Travis Kelce, Noah Gray’s leadership — on and off the field — is already helping define the next chapter in Kansas City.
More NFL coverage:
NFL announces touching league-wide tribute to Marshawn Kneeland after devastating news shocks the football world
Josh Allen’s 'violent' celebration against Chiefs costs him $14,000 — the real reason behind the NFL’s punishment
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