The NFL has fined Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce $14,069 for "Unsportsmanlike Conduct (use of prop)" for his tribute to Tony Gonzalez during the team's 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
Kelce's touchdown reception was the 77th of his career, which moved him past Gonzalez on the Chiefs' all-time list.
To honor the Hall of Famer, Kelce proceeded to celebrate his touchdown by dunking the football — Gonzalez's signature move.
HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN FOR TRAVIS‼️ pic.twitter.com/sqgtsd0r1K
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 25, 2024
"Showing Tony some love and paying a big tribute to who he's been, not only to this organization but to football as a whole," Kelce said afterward. "We all know how iconic it was when he dunked the ball over the goalposts all the time. I gave it my best effort. I'm not sure I did it quite like him."
Since the NFL isn't a fan of certain touchdown celebrations, Kelce was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Not only is it a decision that draws a penalty, it also opens the door for the league to take money from players. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was fined earlier this season for a similar touchdown celebration.
Gonzalez offers to cover Kelce's fine
Ahead of the Chiefs' win over the Las Vegas Raiders last month on Black Friday, Gonzalez was asked about Kelce potentially breaking his franchise record.
"I'm so happy for him, Gonzalez said on the NFL on Prime Video pregame show. "He's one of the best tights to ever do it."
"If he dunks it [after the record-breaking touchdown], I will pay that fine," Gonzalez added.
Following the win over the Steelers, Gonzalez took to X to congratulate Kelce on the achievement and compliment him on the dunk. That brought a response from Kelce, who reminded Gonzalez of his promise in November.
You know I had to show love to the greatest of all time!! 🙌🏻🤟🏻 you did mention you’d help me with the fine tho 🤑😂👀
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) December 25, 2024
With all the money the league collects each week from players, where does it all go?
According to the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, 50% of fine money should go to the NFLPA-run Players Assistance Trust to help care for retired players. The remaining half goes to “charitable organizations jointly determined by the NFL and the NFLPA.”