'Do better, jerks': Chiefs and Travis Kelce under fire for excessive drinking during Super Bowl parade
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: The Kansas City Chiefs were clear favorites to win Super Bowl LVIII, which they ultimately did. However, the team has faced criticism on social media due to footage and revelations of them being heavily intoxicated during their victory parade in Kansas City.
The parade ended on a somber note due to a tragic shooting that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least 30. It occurred on the western side of Union Station at 1.48 pm local time on Wednesday.
As news of the shooting spread, many social media users voiced their concerns. Notably, Taylor Swift, girlfriend of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, made an urgent call to ensure Kelce's safety amidst the chaos.
Chiefs called out for excessive drinking at Super Bowl victory parade
According to Fox News, the team's reported drunken behavior garnered attention from social media users and various media outlets.
Numerous clips surfaced on the Internet showing the players visibly intoxicated. One clip in particular gained significant traction as it featured the Chiefs' star tight end, Kelce.
Kelce, who played a pivotal role in the Chiefs' victory over the San Francisco 49ers, attempted to perform Garth Brooks' hit 'Friends In Low Places' at the parade. He even altered a lyric to mock San Francisco.
However, in a clip that circulated after the parade and the shooting incident, Kelce struggled to complete the song due to his intoxicated state, leading teammates Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to step in and seemingly support him to prevent him from stumbling. The user who shared the clip labeled Kelce as 'the drunkest I've ever seen'.
there have been a lot of drunk athletes at championship parades but I honestly think Travis Kelce may be the drunkest I've ever seen pic.twitter.com/DCfsZxV5G7
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) February 14, 2024
According to Fox News, users criticized Kelce and Swift, who were both seen consuming alcohol during the Super Bowl afterparty last week, labeling them as the "worst two role models in America," while some argued that the players' excessive partying demonstrated immaturity.
Fox News reported that Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr also attracted attention during the celebrations. TMZ noted that Gay "set the bar high" early on in the parade as he went shirtless, running, dancing and even hopping on a car for fans. He was also shoeless and down on the ground at one point, apparently holding a bottle of Hennessy.
Willie Gay on the ground, shoes off, Hennessy in hand, smile on his face. pic.twitter.com/1PmtV8ILAW
— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) February 14, 2024
Kelce faced criticism after continuing his celebration at a Kansas City restaurant despite the somber mood. Notwithstanding recent events, Travis Kelce appeared cheerful as he arrived at the Granfalloon Restaurant and Bar with a beer in hand. He even took a smiling selfie with two police officers stationed outside the establishment.
Internet labels Chiefs players as 'jerks'
A user wrote, "I'm not at all impressed with the Kansas City Chiefs!! Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes drunk off their ass's during the parade and while giving speech's. There are children who look up too these a******s, the drinking could have waited til later! Do better jerks! 🙏 Praying for."
I'm not at all impressed with the Kansas City Chiefs!! Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes drunk off their ass's during the parade and while giving speech's. There are children who look up too these asshole's, the drinking could have waited til later! Do better jerks! 🙏 Praying for
— Kansasgirl4Trump (@KristiMaynard19) February 15, 2024
Another said, "#KansasCityChiefs out there partying and doing Selfies. Out of respect for the victims, celebrations should have been on hold. Maybe donate some blood, instead of getting drunk?"
2/2#KansasCityChiefs out there partying and doing Selfies. Out of respect for the victims, celebrations should have been on hold. Maybe donate some blood, instead of getting drunk?
— 💜🙏Tracy🙏💜 (@CreativeEmpath8) February 15, 2024
A user commented, "Kansas City was embarrassed today by the violence and the sloppy drunk players. Kids should never attend the parade. Why does the Chiefs office allow players to open carry liquor bottles (what’s wrong w being discrete?) and then give the microphone to sloppy drunk @tkelce… SAD."
Kansas City was embarrassed today by the violence and the sloppy drunk players. Kids should never attend the parade. Why does the Chiefs office allow players to open carry liquor bottles (what’s wrong w being discrete?) and then give the microphone to sloppy drunk @tkelce … SAD
— Jean (@JaneT7019391321) February 15, 2024
Another noted, "I think about the people who turned out for the parade for the Kansas City Chiefs giving their lives and ending up loosing their lives and these athletes are too drunk to be worth seeing."
I think about the people who turned out for the parade for the Kansas City Chiefs giving their lives and ending up loosing their lives and these athletes are too drunk to be worth seeing
— Naomi (@leniencymemo) February 15, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.