Travis Kelce was handed a $14,000 fine for his illegal Christmas Day celebration – but luckily, Kansas City Chiefs all-time great Tony Gonzalez is set to cover the cost.
On Christmas Day, the Chiefs clinched the first seed in the AFC by dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers and securing a 29-10 victory. Patrick Mahomes torched the vaunted Steelers defense, throwing for over 320 yards with three touchdown passes – including a historic one to Kelce.
Early in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs leading 22-10, Mahomes wheeled away from Steelers defensive pressure and slung a floated 12-yard touchdown pass to the wide-open Kelce in the end zone. The score represented a moment in history, as Kelce broke his tie with Pro Football Hall of Famer Gonzalez.
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Kelce now has 77 receiving touchdowns – more than any player in Kansas City history. Across his illustrious career, the three-time Super Bowl champion has constructed a Hall of Fame-caliber resume and stands as an all-time great Chief.
After hauling in the pass, Kelce marked the historic moment by paying homage to Gonzalez. He mimicked Gonzalez’s celebration, dunking the ball over the goalpost as a tribute to his fellow legendary tight end.
However, the celebration was illegal, and Kelce has been fined $14,069 for the penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. On social media following the record-breaking performance, Gonzalez posted: “Congrats to my man @tkelce on becoming the all time @Chiefs leader in touchdowns! Keep blazing trails my friend! btw nice dunk.”
Kelce commented on the potential fine in reply, writing: “You know I had to show love to the greatest of all time!! you did mention you’d help me with the fine tho.”
Gonzalez understood the point, adding: “lol! I got you!”
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Travis Kelce paid tribute to Tony Gonzalez with his celebration versus the Steelers (
Getty Images)
Kelce knew he did not have to worry about the fine. After he recorded his 76th touchdown reception and was primed to break Gonzalez’s record, the NFL legend said: “If he dunks it, I will pay that fine.”
The respect between the two is clear. After Kelce broke Gonzalez’s record, the 48-year-old posted a video to X where he said: “What’s up Travis? Congratulations on breaking the all-time Chiefs touchdown record. A lot of big names that you passed – including me – but I just want to say congratulations man. Watching you grow as a player on the field, off the field, everything you’ve done for the game, for the position… couldn’t be prouder of you, couldn’t be happier for you.
“Keep it up – you got a lot more to go, OK, ‘cause I know you got it in you. Good luck to you brother. Congrats!”
Kelce has tallied three touchdowns and 823 yards on 97 receptions during the 2024 season, although he, Mahomes, and other stars are expected to sit out the Week 18 contest. The 15-1 Chiefs end their regular season against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Jan. 5.
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