NFL Issues Travis Kelce Punishment Call After Chiefs–Texans Matchup

In a disappointing Week 14 matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a 20-10 defeat against the Houston Texans, during which star tight end Travis Kelce experienced an unusual low point.

He recorded more drops—two—than catches for the game.

The veteran player opened up about his frustration on the most recent episode of his “New Heights” podcast.

“You put in all this [expletive] work and hope that it pays off,” Kelce said.

“And right now, it’s just for whatever [expletive] reason, man, it’s little things. I feel like I’ve always had the answers in years past. And this year, I just can’t find them.”

After his challenging performance, Kelce turned down media interviews on two occasions. Per reports from Pro Football Talk, NFL rules require players not in concussion protocol to speak with reporters upon request.

“Players have been fined in the past, if/when the failure to comply with media obligations becomes chronic, and if the media covering the team complains about it. Sometimes, the media doesn’t make waves,” PFT noted.

In this case, no formal complaints appear to have surfaced, as the league opted not to penalize Kelce financially. When the NFL released its weekly list of player fines following Week 14 actions, the Chiefs’ standout tight end was absent from it.

As is standard procedure, these disciplinary decisions remain under the league’s discretion, allowing officials to apply or waive additional penalties based on the circumstances.

It will be interesting to see how Kelce and the Chiefs fare this week when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Kansas City is facing a legitimate must-win situation to keep its small playoff hopes alive.