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Travis Kelce, Teammate Wore Pregame Shirts Calling Out The NFL

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 1:31 PM ET

Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce had already made headlines with one of his pregame outfits ahead of Sunday's game vs. the Eagles. But its something else that he and other Kansas City players wore ahead of the team's Super Bowl rematch that also grabbed quite a bit of attention online.

The Chiefs ultimately fell to Philly 20-17 in a game that saw KC struggle once again on offensive. Patrick Mahomes tossed for just 187 yards and led the team in rushing with his seven scrambles — and in a lot of ways he was the only reason the Chiefs remained in contention heading into the fourth quarter.

A costly interception near the goal line off the hands of Kelce ended up being a huge factor in Kansas City falling to 0-2 to start the season. But a late TD pass to Tyquan Thornton nearly got the team back in position to win — both of whom were spotted before kickoff wearing t-shirts calling out the NFL for its decision on Rashee Rice.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 19: Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs after the catch during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Chiefs call to 'Free 4'

Per KCTV 5 in Missouri, "multiple" Chiefs players wore shirts in support of their suspended teammate prior to the home opener against the Eagles. With Kelce and Thornton warming up in tees that had photos of Rice on them with the phrase “Free 4” up top.

Rice received a six-game ban from the league to start the season for violating its personal conduct policy for his role in a multi-car wreck last April.

The scary accident was set off by Rice and a friend after racing their sports cars at upwards of 115 MPH before losing control of their vehicles and setting off a chain reaction on a Dallas freeway.

The 25-year-old wideout pled guilty to two counts of third-degree felony charges over the summer, where he was sentenced to five years probation and 30 days of prison time that can be served at any point during the probation period.

So needless to say fans had pretty mixed feelings on Travis and Tyquan's choice of dress over the weekend.

Free 4 pic.twitter.com/v5tYHZb6Ul
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) September 14, 2025

Fans react to controversial shirts

"The... the guy who almost killed a bunch of people and fled the scene? And didn't even go to prison?" a user asked.

"Maybe I’m gonna sound like an old man punching air rn but this is just a plain bad and corny look IMO," Carter Donnick replied. "Caused a car crash that could’ve killed multiple people and he himself *accepted* a 6 game suspension. What are we freeing? This isn’t just some personal drug use or whatever."

"This is gross …" The Air Raid Hour said.

"Wait… Rashee Rice willingly drove a Lamborghini 120mph on an interstate. Proceeded to drive it onto the shoulder, lose control, and cause a multi-car pileup, injuring several including children. And pleaded guilty to 2 felonies… What do you MEAN free #4?" a fan posted.

Kansas City is eagerly awaiting the return of Rice and injured second-year speedster Xavier Worthy given their sluggishness offensively. But maybe the Chiefs could've gone about it in a better, or at least more internal way.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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