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NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Travis Kelce Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 4:04 PM ET

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs, after securing three straight wins, came back down to earth in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season, falling to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills 28-21 on the road. Still, Kelce made his presence felt in the rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game, recording four catches for 66 yards.

With nine seconds remaining in the first half and the Chiefs trailing 21-10, Patrick Mahomes attempted to connect with Kelce in the end zone, but the pass fell incomplete, setting up fourth down. However, as Kelce leaped for the ball with both feet in the air, Bills safety Cole Bishop came flying in and delivered a hard hit to his chest, sending the tight end crashing to the turf.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looks on during a game.Jean Carniel/Reuters via Imagn Images

Bishop’s hit sent Kelce to the locker room early, though he returned to start the second half. While no flag was thrown for a potential “hit on a defenseless player,” Bishop could have faced a fine.

In the NFL, players can be fined up to $17,389 for a first violation involving a hit on a defenseless player, with the amount increasing to $23,186 for a second offense. However, the league determined Bishop’s hit on Kelce was not severe enough to warrant a fine, opting not to discipline the Bills safety.

While Bishop wasn't fined for his hit on Kelce, two players were charged for a hit on a defenseless player in Week 9 : Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair ($17,389) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey ($17,389).

Travis Kelce's gonna have one hell of a time sneezing this week pic.twitter.com/hdgaRu1YNZ
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) November 2, 2025

Through nine weeks in the 2025 NFL season, five players have been fined for a hit on a defenseless player. In Week 3, Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens was charged $23,186. In Week 4, New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood was fined $17,389. And in Week 8, Washington Commanders linebacker Quan Martin was hit with an $11,572 penalty.

Following a bye in Week 10, Kelce and the Chiefs will be back in action in Week 11, visiting Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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