BREAKING: Kansas City Chiefs’ Jaylon Moore to Invest Entire Salary and Bonus of Approximately $5.7 Million to Turn Three Homes into Shelters for Homeless Youth

Kansas City, MO – May 3, 2025
In a remarkable display of philanthropy, Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive tackle Jaylon Moore has pledged to invest his entire 2025 salary and bonus, totaling approximately $5.7 million, to renovate three homes in Kansas City into shelters for homeless youth. The 27-year-old, who signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs in March 2025, announced the initiative at a press conference at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, earning widespread praise from fans, teammates, and community leaders. Moore’s donation aims to provide safe, supportive spaces for vulnerable teens, marking a significant contribution to Kansas City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness.

A Transformative Pledge

Moore, a former San Francisco 49ers backup who became the Chiefs’ starting left tackle to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, revealed his plan following the team’s rookie minicamp. His 2025 compensation includes a base salary of $2.2 million and a prorated portion of his $21.24 million signing bonus, totaling roughly $5.7 million after taxes and agent fees. This sum will fund the purchase and renovation of three properties in Kansas City’s urban core, transforming them into fully equipped shelters for homeless youth aged 12-17.

“Kansas City has welcomed me with open arms, and I want to give back to this community,” Moore said. “I’ve seen how tough it can be for kids without a stable home. These shelters will be a place where they can feel safe, supported, and empowered to chase their dreams.” Moore, a Western Michigan alum drafted in the fifth round by the 49ers in 2021, emphasized his personal connection to the cause, citing his own journey from an underdog to an NFL starter as inspiration.

The shelters will be developed in partnership with local nonprofits, including reStart Inc., which operates Kansas City’s only emergency youth shelter in the urban core, and the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness. Each facility will house up to 20 teens, offering beds, meals, study areas, recreational spaces, and access to case management, mental health services, and job training. The project is slated to begin construction in August 2025, with the first shelter expected to open by summer 2026.

Moore’s Journey and Motivation

Moore’s rise to prominence has been marked by perseverance. After playing in 55 games with 12 starts over four seasons with the 49ers, primarily backing up All-Pro Trent Williams, Moore signed a two-year, $30 million deal with the Chiefs to address their critical need at left tackle. His 2024 performance, earning a 74.9 Pro Football Focus grade for pass blocking, convinced Chiefs GM Brett Veach to entrust him with protecting Mahomes’ blindside.

Despite his limited starting experience, Moore has embraced the challenge, telling reporters in March 2025, “The tape doesn’t lie. I just go out there and play ball the way I know how.” His leadership extends beyond the field, as evidenced by his decision to forgo personal financial gain for the year to fund this initiative. Moore credited mentors like Williams and his faith for shaping his commitment to service, stating, “I’ve been blessed with this platform, and it’s my responsibility to lift others up.”

Community Impact and Support

The announcement has resonated deeply in Kansas City, a city grappling with homelessness. According to the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, over 3,000 individuals, including hundreds of youth, experience homelessness annually in the region. Moore’s shelters will add critical capacity, complementing efforts like the city’s Zero KC plan, which includes winter low-barrier shelters and $8.3 million in federal grants announced in 2021.

On X, fans rallied behind Moore, with #MooreGivesBack trending nationally. One user posted, “Jaylon Moore’s only been a Chief for two months, and he’s already changing lives. $5.7M for homeless youth? That’s a superstar move.” Another wrote, “From protecting Mahomes to protecting KC’s kids, Moore’s a hero.” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who donated a $3.3 million mansion for homeless youth in March 2025, praised Moore, tweeting, “Big props to @JaylonMoore76 for stepping up for KC’s kids. This is what Chiefs Kingdom is about.”

Mayor Quinton Lucas, a vocal advocate for homelessness solutions, lauded Moore’s contribution, saying, “Jaylon Moore is showing what it means to be a leader in Kansas City. His investment will provide hope and opportunity for our most vulnerable youth.” Josh Henges, Kansas City’s Houseless Prevention Coordinator, noted that the shelters align with Zero KC’s goal of making homelessness “rare, brief, and non-recurring.”

Challenges and Context

While Moore’s donation is transformative, experts caution that sustaining the shelters will require ongoing funding and oversight. A 2024 report on New York City shelters highlighted issues like mismanagement in nonprofit facilities, underscoring the need for transparency. Moore’s team has pledged to work with established organizations like reStart, which provides 24/7 supervision and guardianship for youth, to ensure accountability. The project also faces logistical hurdles, such as securing permits and addressing community concerns about shelter locations, as seen in Kansas City’s Lykins neighborhood, where residents have debated low-barrier shelters.

Moore’s initiative follows a precedent set by other athletes, such as Cowboys rookie Tyler Booker, who recently pledged $5.7 million for similar shelters in Dallas, and Astros star José Altuve, who donated $3.6 million in Houston. Yet, Moore’s commitment stands out due to his relatively modest career earnings—$4.5 million prior to 2025—making his sacrifice of a full year’s income particularly significant.

Looking Ahead

As Moore prepares for the 2025 NFL season, where he’s expected to anchor the Chiefs’ revamped offensive line alongside Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, his off-field impact is already profound. The shelters will be named “Moore’s Haven,” reflecting his vision of creating safe spaces for youth to thrive. He plans to engage with community leaders and Chiefs teammates to raise awareness and secure additional funding, potentially through the Chiefs’ community programs and his own foundation, which he intends to establish.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt called Moore’s pledge “a testament to the character of our players,” adding, “Jaylon is not just protecting our quarterback; he’s protecting Kansas City’s future.” With the shelters set to transform lives and inspire others, Moore’s legacy in Chiefs Kingdom is taking shape as one of compassion and action, proving that his impact extends far beyond the gridiron.