Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was fined $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct after making an obscene gesture toward the Philadelphia Eagles’ sideline during the team’s 20-17 loss on September 14.

The incident, which occurred after a 23-yard reception from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was widely shared on social media and quickly drew national attention.

Kelce’s frustrations continued throughout the game. In the second quarter, he removed his helmet and slammed it to the ground, a moment captured on broadcast and social media, further highlighting the tight end’s visible agitation. Fans were quick to react.

@nfloncbs

Travis Kelce appeared visibly frustrated 😬

♬ original sound - NFL on CBS

On Instagram, one user commented, “Poor sportsmanship, unable to manage his emotions. He needs to take a lesson from his older brother.” Others defended Kelce, noting that his fiery competitiveness is part of what makes him a standout player in the league.

This is not Kelce’s first fine. Last season, he was fined $11,255 for taunting during the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. He has, however, shown accountability for his actions at times. Following an accidental collision that injured teammate Xavier Worthy during a Sept. 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Kelce admitted on his podcast New Heights that he felt terrible and promised to be more careful.

"I owe my guy big time, man, X knows it," Kelce told his brother Jason (Sept.10). "I felt like s--t, I could barely even f--kin' play the rest of that first half, man," he added. 

@espn Not the first bump between Travis Kelce and Andy Reid 😅 (📺: CBS, NBC) #chiefs #traviskelce #espnsocial ♬ original sound - ESPN

Kelce’s history of on-field outbursts includes a notable incident during the 2024 Super Bowl, when he bumped head coach Andy Reid while yelling on the sideline following a Chiefs fumble against the San Francisco 49ers. The moment, captured on broadcast footage, showed Reid visibly frustrated while Kelce responded with apparent irritation before walking away.

As the Chiefs move forward in the season, all eyes will be on Kelce to see if he can balance his passion with professionalism. Kansas City’s next game is scheduled for September 28 against the Baltimore Ravens.