Travis Kelce’s obscene gesture signals Kansas City Chiefs’ frustration in 2025-26 season | NFL News
The Kansas City Chiefs began the 2025 NFL season with two straight losses, which dropped their record to 0-2 and left them sitting fourth in the AFC West division. This sluggish start has exposed ongoing challenges with the team’s offense and defense. On September 14, 2025, during a 20-17 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made a rude gesture after a 23-yard catch, leading to a $14,491 fine from the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Travis Kelce faces NFL fine for obscene gesture during Kansas City Chiefs matchup against Philadelphia Eagles
The incident occurred during the second week of the 2025 season in the Chiefs’ game against the Eagles. After catching a 23-yard pass, 35-year-old Kelce ran down the Philadelphia sideline and made a gesture towards his groin.The NFL categorized this as “obscene gestures” under unsportsmanlike conduct rules, resulting in a fine of $14,491. This is Kelce’s third fine since 2021, according to reports. This year, game officials have been directed to pay more attention to such actions.Right after the game, the video of the moment went viral on social media. The fine was announced shortly after, with details coming out on September 21, 2025. In a related penalty from the same game, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was fined $46,371 for “impermissible use of the helmet/launching” after he lowered his helmet before colliding with Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner. Barkley’s fine was higher, underscoring the league’s commitment to player safety rules.
Kansas City Chiefs struggle to convert opportunities in close loss
On September 14, 2025, the Chiefs faced a 20-17 loss, making it their second consecutive defeat after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers in the season opener. The offense had a tough time, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes completing 40 out of 56 passes without any interceptions, but he only averaged 211 passing yards per game in the first two weeks. The rushing game averaged 109.5 yards per game, which put them at 17th in the league, and their total points scored was 19 per game, landing them in 24th place.Travis Kelce’s action took place while the team was visibly having a tough time, dealing with penalties and missed opportunities. Take right tackle Jawaan Taylor, for instance, who had several false starts that led to penalties that killed drives.The defense also struggled, allowing an average of 23.5 points per game, which put them at 19th in the league. Kelce’s performance was a mixed bag too, as he dropped a pass in the fourth quarter that could have been a touchdown, but it ended up leading to an interception.
Travis Kelce admits accountability on New Heights podcast after loss to Los Angeles Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs have begun their season on a sour note due to a season win/loss record of 0-2 which has resulted in frustrations between the team and its fan base.The offense has not been able to find its rhythm in the opening 2 games as it has backgrounded 38 points (19 points per game) and conceded 47 points (23.5 points per game).Currently, they are averaging 211 passing yards per game (ranking 16th overall) and 109.5 rushing yards (ranking 17th). Injuries to key players like wide receiver Xavier Worthy have forced the team to make some tough adjustments.On the episode of the “New Heights” podcast that aired on September 10, 2025, co-hosts Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce discussed the team’s performance following the loss to the Chargers. Travis mentioned to his brother, “I know it’s kinda sounding like a broken record from last year’s Super Bowl, but that’s on us as leaders. I’ll take the most accountability myself. I wasn’t ready for that first drive.”.Fan and analyst discussions on X brought up wider frustrations. One user pointed out on X that Travis Kelce “was so bad Friday night that not only did he never get open, but he took out our best deep threat for the year on the first drive of the game then cost us a TD in the redzone for inexplicably stopping his route on 2nd and goal.”Another post raised some worries, “I’m not worried about Mahomes. He’ll get it figured out. I AM worried about the rest of the offense. Run game isn’t working, WR room is gutted, Kelce attracts defenders like mosquitos. Taylor f**kin sucks still. Defense is no better either. It’s gonna be a rough year.”.More posts took aim at roster management, including one from which said, “Juwaan Taylor. Trey smith. Bolton. Karlaftis all got their money and look like a*s. Kelce looks like he doesn’t care at all. And we still haven’t given Chris jones help in the pass rush or Mahomes help in the running game.”Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs charge against New York Giants with Taylor Swift nowhere in sightThe Kansas City Chiefs are feeling the heat as frustration spreads in the locker room and fans are becoming more outspoken. Travis Kelce’s sideline move has come to represent the team’s tension, while their on-field issues, injuries, and missed opportunities keep stealing the spotlight in the early 2025-26 season.
