Travis Kelce facing NFL punishment for post-game refusal

It would be an understatement to say that the 2025 season has been disappointing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Following a run of three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, the Chiefs will miss out on the postseason entirely for the first time since 2014. Kansas City were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, in a game also marked by a serious injury to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

There was understandable frustration at Arrowhead Stadium after Sunday’s game, with veteran running back Travis Kelce taking the defeat particularly hard. Kelce was visibly emotional after the game and refused to speak to reporters as he trudged off the field.

The Athletic’s Jesse Newell reports that Kelce told reporters: “It’s not the time. I’ll catch you guys during the week.”

It may seem like a perfectly natural reaction from Kelce, who may now be considering his future in the league. But NFL players are required to speak to the press after games when requested, with an exception made for players in concussion protocol.

Kelce’s refusal may have contravened league rules, potentially opening him up to disciplinary measures from the NFL. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that Sunday’s game was the third time this season that Kelce has declined his post-game responsibilities.

Should he find himself in hot water with the NFL, Kelce could face a fine from the league. However the extenuating circumstances around Sunday’s loss - potentially ending Kelce’s hopes of a final postseason appearance - may convince officials to go easy on him.

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