NFL reveals Travis Kelce's penalty for his celebration after breaking Tony Gonzalez's Chiefs record
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: On Christmas Day, Travis Kelce etched his name further into Kansas City Chiefs history with a record-breaking touchdown but the celebratory tribute came at a price, Daily Mail reported.
The star tight end surpassed Tony Gonzalez's record for the most receiving touchdowns in a Chiefs uniform, celebrating the milestone with a slam-dunk through the uprights—a signature move of Gonzalez during his legendary career.
Travis Kelce fined for celebration, Tony Gonzalez offers to help pay
The NFL fined Travis Kelce more than $14,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, citing his use of a "prop" during the celebration.
Despite the penalty, Gonzalez, ever the good sport, has stepped in to offer assistance.
The NFL fined #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct (use of prop) — dunking over the crossbar on Christmas in tribute to Tony Gonzalez after breaking his franchise TD record.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 4, 2025
Gonzalez posted he’ll help with the fine.
pic.twitter.com/c6QZVYYhSa
Gonzalez replied to Kelce on X that he would cover the fine for him in a gesture that underscores the camaraderie between the two Chiefs legends.
Kelce’s record-breaking moment came in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game that clinched the No 1 playoff seed in the AFC.
The celebration, while costly, was a meaningful nod to Gonzalez, who played for Kansas City from 1997 to 2008 and retired with 111 career receiving touchdowns, 76 of which he scored in a Chiefs uniform.
Kelce's touchdown catch was the 77th of his career, moving him past the Hall of Famer on the Chiefs’ all-time list.
Kelce, who joined the Chiefs in 2013, has become synonymous with the franchise, much like Gonzalez before him.
With over a decade of loyalty to Kansas City, Kelce’s tribute wasn’t just a celebration of his own achievement but a salute to the legacy he’s building on Gonzalez’s foundation.
Travis Kelce reflects on retirement amid $14K fine
The fine, though symbolic, is barely a dent in Travis Kelce’s earnings.
Making roughly $1 million per game and with a net worth that matches his superstar status, the penalty amounts to little more than a slap on the wrist.
At 35 years old, Kelce has recently hinted at retirement.
On his 'New Heights' podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis mused, “I don’t know if I have 40 NFL games left in me.”
While his departure from the league may not be imminent, the thought of retirement looms, leaving Chiefs fans wondering how much longer their favorite tight end will continue to dominate the field.
Kelce’s fame has extended beyond football in recent seasons, thanks in part to his high-profile relationship with global pop icon Taylor Swift.
The romance has brought him widespread attention, opening new opportunities for the athlete.
From expanding the fan base for his 'New Heights' podcast to hosting Prime Video’s 'Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?', Kelce’s off-field presence is thriving. His relationship with Swift has not only elevated his profile but also made him a household name for fans who might otherwise have little interest in the NFL.
