Travis Kelce Handed $14K Fine from NFL for His Touchdown Celebration Honoring Tony Gonzalez
The NFL announced on Saturday, Jan. 4, that Kelce was fined for “Unsportsmanlike Conduct Use of Prop,” according to NBC Sports
Travis Kelce’s crowd-pleasing catch has come with a hefty fine!
During the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kelce’s touchdown catch — meant to honor Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez — was one of the game's many highlights, but has now cost the tight end $14,069 in violation fees, the New York Post reported.
The catch in question, where Kelce, 35, dunked the football over the goal post, goes against NFL rules, prompting the league to announce on Saturday, Jan. 4, that Kelce was fined for “Unsportsmanlike Conduct Use of Prop,” according to NBC Sports.
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Following the tribute, Gonzalez thanked Kelce for the recognition and reportedly said that he would pay the fine he incurred to show his appreciation for the gesture, the outlet reported.
Gonzalez was known for the signature goal post move throughout his 17 seasons in the NFL, including 12 seasons with the Chiefs.
However, the move was deemed a penalty back in 2013, when New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham caused a game delay after he knocked the goal post off balance emulating the move, according to NBC Sports.
Kelce officially passed Gonzalez for the franchise record of all-time receiving touchdowns, when a fourth-quarter play and 12-yard grab earned him his 77th receiving touchdown to Gonzalez’s 76.
Related: Taylor Swift Supports Travis Kelce After He Breaks Chiefs Touchdown Record During Christmas Day Game
The Chiefs celebrated the record-breaker with a timely Instagram snap, showing Kelce's face alongside the words "most receiving touchdowns."
"If you ever can’t find Travis, chances are he’s in the end zone," the team wrote. "Congrats, @killatrav!"
While appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show in November, Gonzalez was asked about Kelce surpassing a few of his records — including earning 11,000 receiving yards in the fewest number of games (154) as a tight end and the most receiving yards ever by a Chiefs player.
Related: Chiefs Vet Tony Gonzalez Praises Taylor Swift After Travis Kelce Breaks His NFL Record
“He’s such a good dude and the whole Taylor Swift thing now,” Gonzalez said at the time. “I was like, ‘Oh, how cool, I’m getting so popular that a 10-year-old girl [wants to talk to me].'”
“She goes, ‘Hi, Is your name Tony? Do you know Travis Kelce?’ But I think it’s great that Taylor’s done this for the NFL, she’s brought a whole new audience, it’s been great,” he continued.
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