Travis Kelce Faces Possible Fine After Postgame Media Silence Following Chiefs’ Loss to Texans
Sunday night was one to forget for the Kansas City Chiefs-and especially for Travis Kelce. The veteran tight end, known for his big-game flair and postseason heroics, had a rough outing in the Chiefs’ 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. And now, he might be looking at more than just game tape this week-he could be facing a fine from the NFL for declining to speak with the media after the game.
Let’s start with what happened on the field. Kelce, a future Hall of Famer and the heartbeat of Kansas City’s passing attack, was targeted five times but managed just one catch for eight yards.
His most notable moment, unfortunately, came in the fourth quarter when he dropped a pass that led to a costly interception. It was a gut-punch of a play in a game where the Chiefs struggled to find rhythm, and Kelce’s frustration was written all over his face as he walked off the field.
That frustration apparently carried over into the locker room. According to multiple reports, including from The Athletic’s Jesse Newell, Kelce declined at least two interview requests following the loss. Wide receiver Rashee Rice also exited the locker room before reporters arrived, but Kelce’s absence stood out, especially given his stature on the team and in the league.
Under NFL policy, players are required to be available to the media after games-unless they’re in concussion protocol. That rule isn’t just a formality; it’s part of the league’s broader commitment to transparency and access. And when a high-profile player like Kelce skips out, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
This isn’t the first time Kelce has opted out of postgame or midweek media obligations this season, as noted by ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. While players aren’t expected to bare their souls after every loss, they are expected to show up-especially when things go sideways. The league typically steps in with fines when media complaints start to surface, and this situation could cross that threshold.
It’s worth noting that Kelce’s silence came after one of his most uncharacteristic performances in recent memory. The drop that led to an interception wasn’t just a rare miscue-it felt like a turning point in the game.
The Chiefs, already fighting to stay in the AFC playoff picture, now face an uphill climb toward a wild card spot. And for a team built around precision and execution, every mistake gets magnified.
Kelce’s fiancée, Taylor Swift, was in attendance, watching from a suite when the interception occurred. Cameras caught her reaction-clearly stunned-as the turnover shifted momentum firmly in Houston’s favor. It was the kind of moment that encapsulated the night for Kansas City: close, but just not sharp enough.
As for the retirement chatter swirling around Kelce, that’s a conversation for another day. What’s clear right now is that the Chiefs need their leaders-on and off the field-to steady the ship.
Kelce has been that guy for years. One rough night doesn’t change that.
But in a season where the margins are razor-thin, even the smallest missteps-whether on the field or in front of a microphone-can have ripple effects.
The NFL hasn’t announced any disciplinary action yet, but if the league decides to enforce its media policy, Kelce could be hearing from the front office soon. For now, the Chiefs will turn the page and try to regroup. But Sunday night’s loss, and everything that came with it, won’t be easy to shake.