Travis Kelce hit with NFL punishment just days before Super Bowl 2025

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has been fined $11,255 by the NFL for taunting Buffalo Bills players during last Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The penalty comes as the Chiefs prepare for their third straight Super Bowl appearance, adding an unexpected setback for the veteran tight end in the final stretch before the big game.

Taylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City.(Getty Images via AFP)

Travis Kelce punished by NFL ahead of Superbowl

The incident took place late in the first half when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rushed for a touchdown, only to be tackled by Bills safety Damar Hamlin as he crossed the goal line. Kelce, 35, quickly got in Hamlin’s face, an act deemed unsportsmanlike by the league.

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Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips was also fined $6,722 for his role in the altercation, as his headbutt to Kelce resulted in an unnecessary roughness