'Very unethical': NYC DOT slammed for using Travis Kelce's viral Super Bowl image to push anti-car message

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) found itself in hot water this week after an attempt to promote its policy agenda backfired spectacularly on social media, as reported by New York Post.

The agency provoked outrage when it posted an image on X of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce angrily yelling at his coach, using his clout to advocate reduced private car usage on city streets.

The move was widely slammed by online critics who believe the DOT crossed ethical lines by co-opting Travis' viral moment to push its anti-car message.

New York City DOT puts own spin on viral moment to advocate for more pedestrian space

The image comes from the recent Super Bowl, where Travis was seen aggressively yelling at Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sideline after the team fell behind early in the game. The emotional outburst quickly went viral across social media.

According to Travis' brother and Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Travis "crossed the line" with his treatment of coach Reid. "I think there’s better ways to handle this, retrospectively," Jason said on the brothers' podcast.

The Chiefs ultimately overcame the early deficit to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22, giving the team its fourth Super Bowl title. The New York City DOT decided to put their own spin on the viral moment in an attempt to advocate for more pedestrian space and less private car use on NYC streets.

On Monday, February 12, the official NYC DOT's X account posted the viral image of Travis' blowup, with the caption: "OUTDOOR DINING TAKES UP LESS THAN .5% OF STREET PARKING IN NEW YORK CITY. PUBLIC SPACE IS FOR EVERYONE, NOT JUST CARS."

The post was using Travis' yelling image to illustrate the DOT’s position that too much public space in NYC is allocated for private car usage rather than public good like outdoor dining. Neither Travis nor Reid have commented on the NYC DOT’s social media post or broader transportation policy priorities.

Internet swiftly criticizes New York City DOT's controversial use of Travis Kelce's viral image

Upon learning of the New York City Department of Transportation's controversial use of Travis' viral image, social media users swiftly criticized the department's actions. One X user expressed disbelief, stating, "How can a public agency be so opinionated like this? This is very unethical."

Another user questioned the department's understanding, remarking, "Crazy that we have to tell the 'Department of Transportation' that streets were made for cars."

A third user criticized the perceived agenda, stating, "You're pushing your agenda... and you're not supposed to have one." Meanwhile, someone raised concerns about ethical standards, commenting, "This is the official DOT account? I guess there is no ethical code at your agency?"

In the midst of the online uproar, a fifth user simply questioned, "Is this for real?" The sentiment of embarrassment was also echoed, with a sixth user expressing frustration, "I want my tax money back. This account is embarrassing to us as a city."

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.