The scholarship is part of a series honoring Jason’s remarkable 13-year NFL career, which began with his days as a college walk-on

Jason Kelce is helping young athletes achieve their dreams and further their education!

On Thursday evening, April 11, the newly retired Philadelphia Eagles star, 36,

and his brother Travis Kelce presented a University of Cincinnati student with the inaugural Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux scholarship.

Isabella Marley Jason Kelce Awards Cincinnati Student with Scholarship

Walk-On’s CEO Chris Dawson, founder Brandon Landry, and the Kansas City Chiefs baller, 34, were also on hand to award the check.

The recipient, Ben Blevins, was hand-selected by Jason because he embodies the full walk-on spirit, per a press release shared with PEOPLE.

Isabella Marley Jason Kelce Awards Cincinnati Student with Scholarship

This scholarship is part of a series established in honor of Jason’s remarkable 13-year NFL career, which began with his days as a college walk-on.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As Jason went from a college walk-on to a professional football legend, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux wanted to pay homage to their motto, which is to spotlight the perseverance and dedication of a walk-on athlete and all that goes into it, the release adds.

Blevins has transitioned from offense to defense and earned the Iron Bearcat award, which shows his exceptional adaptability and leadership in his criminal justice studies.

Related: Donna Kelce Supports Sons Travis and Jason at New Heights Event by Handing Out Sandwiches

The Kelce brothers awarded the student-athlete the first of 13 scholarships during a special live University of Cincinnati Football team meeting on Thursday, prior to the New Heights Podcast presentation event held at the university.

The siblings, who co-host the show, also received diplomas during a “surprise commencement” ceremony at the university that same evening.

Their parents Donna and Ed Kelce were there to cheer their boys on at the Fifth Third Arena, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Both brothers earned degrees in 2022, but neither attended their commencement ceremonies, the outlet added.

This time around, they celebrated with a bit of beer.

“Receiving a diploma…Travis Kelce style,” Dan Hoard, the radio voice of Cincinnati Bengals and University of Cincinnati, tweeted.

His post also included a video of the special occasion.

Jason has been keeping busy since his retirement.

In addition to awarding scholarships and attending graduation ceremonies, the former football center has been living out his wildest WrestleMania dreams.

On April 6, he made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia — complete with metal folding chairs and lots of body slamming!

Jason and the event’s other guest star, Eagles’ offensive tackle Lane Johnson, iconically interrupted the match, but their identities were concealed until Rey Mysterio and Andrade were declared the winners.