Travis Kelce’s crowd-pleasing touchdown catch during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers has come at a cost. The star tight end, 35, incurred a hefty fine of $14,069 after his celebratory dunk of the football over the goal post, which violated NFL rules. The fine, levied for “Unsportsmanlike Conduct Use of Prop,” was confirmed by the league on Saturday, January 4, 2025, according to NBC Sports.
The touchdown, which Kelce dedicated to honoring Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, was one of the highlights of the game. In the fourth quarter, Kelce caught a 12-yard pass, marking his 77th career touchdown and surpassing Gonzalez’s franchise record of 76. However, his celebratory dunk over the goal post immediately drew attention, as it was reminiscent of a similar move Gonzalez was known for during his career.
NFL’s Penalty for “Use of Prop”
While the celebration was a fitting tribute to Gonzalez, it broke an NFL rule that prohibits the use of the goal post as a prop for celebrations. The move dates back to 2013 when New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was penalized for a similar stunt after knocking the goal post off balance, causing a delay in the game. As a result, the NFL instituted a ban on such celebrations, deeming them unsportsmanlike conduct.
Kelce’s fine serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned celebrations can lead to penalties in the league. Despite the financial hit, Kelce’s gesture was appreciated by Gonzalez, who thanked him for the tribute and reportedly offered to cover the fine in recognition of Kelce’s respect for his legacy.
A Record-Breaking Moment for Kelce
Kelce’s touchdown not only honored Gonzalez but also marked a personal milestone for the tight end. With his 77th receiving touchdown, Kelce officially surpassed Gonzalez’s franchise record, a feat that highlights his continued excellence on the field. The Chiefs celebrated the achievement with an Instagram post that highlighted Kelce’s new record, captioned: “If you ever can’t find Travis, chances are he’s in the end zone. Congrats, @killatrav!”
Kelce’s record-breaking touchdown was part of a dominant performance by the Chiefs, who triumphed over the Steelers with a 31-17 victory. The game also saw Kelce surpass several other career milestones, solidifying his status as one of the top tight ends in NFL history.
Gonzalez Reacts to Kelce’s Tribute
Tony Gonzalez, who spent 12 seasons with the Chiefs and another five years with the Atlanta Falcons, was known for his own signature celebrations during his 17-year career. The “goal post dunk” became one of his trademarks, a move that Kelce clearly sought to emulate in his Christmas Day game.
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In a gesture of appreciation, Gonzalez publicly thanked Kelce for the tribute. “I think it’s great that Travis is carrying on the tradition,” Gonzalez said in a statement after the game. “It was an honor to see him break my record, and the dunk was a cool way to pay homage to something that became a part of Chiefs history.”
While Gonzalez was appreciative of the tribute, he also offered to pay the fine Kelce incurred as a result. “If it’s about honoring me, I’ll take care of the fine for him,” Gonzalez reportedly said, underscoring the bond between the two tight ends.
Kelce’s Support from Taylor Swift
Kelce’s historic touchdown came just days after he made headlines once again for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. The pair had been linked romantically for several months, and Swift has been an enthusiastic supporter of Kelce’s accomplishments on and off the field.
After Kelce surpassed Gonzalez’s receiving touchdown record, Swift took to social media to celebrate with her boyfriend. The Chiefs also posted a congratulatory message, featuring a photo of Kelce alongside the words, “Most receiving touchdowns,” acknowledging his achievement. Swift’s public show of support only further solidified Kelce’s status as one of the NFL’s most beloved stars.
Looking Ahead: Kelce’s Legacy
With his touchdown record and the support of figures like Gonzalez and Swift, Travis Kelce continues to cement his legacy as one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. While the fine for his celebratory dunk may have been an unfortunate consequence, it hasn’t overshadowed his remarkable achievements on the field.
Kelce’s performance during the Chiefs’ Christmas Day win over the Steelers was a testament to his talent, as well as his respect for the players who came before him. As the NFL season progresses, Kelce will undoubtedly continue to break records, inspire teammates, and thrill fans with his performances. However, he’ll likely think twice before using the goal post as a prop again.
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In the meantime, Chiefs fans, football lovers, and Swifties alike can look forward to more exciting moments from one of the NFL’s most entertaining stars.
